Candesartan; Hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ tablets
What do candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide tablets do?
CANDESARTAN-HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (Atacand(R) HCT) is a combination of two drugs used to lower blood pressure. Candesartan controls high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. This medicine does not cure high blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide can help reduce your risk of having damage to your kidneys, heart, or other organs. Generic candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide tablets are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I take candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• autoimmune disease (like lupus), or suppressed immune function
• diabetes mellitus
• gout
• heart or blood vessel disease (such as heart failure)
• liver disease
• recent heart attack or stroke
• kidney disease (such as renal failure or renal artery stenosis)
• pancreatitis
• electrolyte imbalance (e.g. low or high levels of potassium in the blood)
• if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet (e.g. using potassium substitutes)
• sulfonamide (sulfa) or thiazide allergy
• an unusual or allergic reaction to candesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide?
• allopurinol
• diabetic medications
• blood pressure medications
• some cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. cholestyramine or colestipol)
• dofetilide
• griseofulvin
• hawthorn or horse chestnut
• lithium
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• potassium salts or potassium supplements
• prochlorperazine
• some medicines for mental disorders (phenothiazines)
• some antibiotics which increase sensitivity to sunlight (sulfonamides, tetracyclines)
• vitamin A (retinol) creams or pills such as tretinoin Retin-A(R), Renova(R), Solage(R), Atragen(R), and others
• water pills (especially potassium-sparing diuretics such as triamterene or amiloride)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
• unusual rash, bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin
Other:
• confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
• decreased amount of urine passed
• decreased sexual function
• fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
• fever or chills
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramps or pain
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• worsened gout pain
• yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• cough
• increased sensitivity to the sun