Consumer Reports Health - Candesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide

Candesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide
(kan de sar' tan) (hye droe klor oh thye' a zide)

What makes the information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org different?

We do not rely simply on drug package inserts and manufacturer claims.
Our information about drug and safety, off-label uses, side effects and interactions is based on the best available clinical evidence -- the same information used by hospital pharmacists

Other names

Atacand HCT

Important warning

Do not take candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide, call your doctor immediately. Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may harm the fetus.

Why is this medication prescribed?

The combination of candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide is used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Candesartan is in a class of medications called angiotensin II antagonists. It makes blood flow more smoothly by blocking the action of certain natural chemicals that tighten the blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). It works by causing the the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.

How should this medication be used?

The combination of candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. It may take up to 4 weeks before you feel the full benefit of candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Continue to take candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide even if you feel well. Do not stop taking candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide without talking to your doctor.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

dizziness
back pain

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

lightheadedness
fainting
dry mouth
thirst
weakness
lack of energy
drowsiness
restlessness
confusion
seizures
muscle pain or cramps
infrequent urination
rapid or pounding heartbeat
upset stomach
vomiting

Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to candesartan (Atacand), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL, Microzide), sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); cholestyramine (Questran); colestipol (Colestid); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for diabetes; narcotic pain relievers; oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone); other medications for high blood pressure; phenobarbital (Barbita, Luminal, Solfoton), and potassium supplements (K-Dur, Klor-Con, others). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you are on dialysis and if you have or have ever had allergies, asthma, lupus (SLE), diabetes, heart failure, gout, or kidney or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking candesartan and hydrochlorothiazine.
ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can make the side effects from candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide worse.
you should know that candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet or an exercise program, follow these directions carefully.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Are there other uses for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What should I do in case of overdose?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Last Revised April 2003

Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to compare drugs and other treatment options for over 100 medical conditions and start making better health decisions. JOIN NOW!

Subscribe now for 24/7 health news and information

Tips for staying healthy and preventing illness
Independent evaluations of diets, fitness routines and other wellness products
Treatment Ratings for over 200 medical and mental health conditions
Unbiased reviews of most prescriptions and OTC drugs
Effectiveness Ratings for over 20,000 Alternative Medic ines

CR Health member sign-in

Subscribe now for 24/7 health news and information