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Product Information

What is Atacand?

Atacand is the trade name of a prescription drug containing of candesartan as the active component. Candesartan belongs to a group of heart medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonist and it is used in the management of mild-to-moderate essential hypertension and heart failure. It is often used in combination with other drugs, especially water pills, and is available in different strengths of 4mg, 8mg, 16mg and 32mg per tablet.

Active ingredients

Atacand is a prodrug whose active component is candesartan. It works to lower high blood pressure and heart failure by blocking the aldosterone (which causes reabsorption of sodium) secreting and vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II in many tissues in the body, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.

Conditions treated

• Mild-to-moderate essential hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart failure

Generic vs brand name

Candesartan is the generic alternative.

Dosage information

Use your medication as directed by your healthcare professional. If you are not sure of how to, please check with your doctor. It is recommended to take your daily dose Atacand at about the same time every day. The dose for each patient should be individualized and adjusted accordingly when used together with other anti-hypertensive drugs.

For high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults

• The recommended dose is 16mg once daily and a maximum dose of 32mg daily.

For high blood pressure in children (6 to 17 years of age):

• For children who weigh less than 50kg: The recommended dose is 4mg daily with a max dose of 8mg.
• For children who weigh 50kg or more: The initial recommended dose is 8mg daily with a max dose of 16mg daily

For management of heart failure in adults: The recommended starting dose is 4mg daily and when tolerated, it can be increased by doubling (every 2 weeks) to a max dose of 32mg daily.

The doctor may be required to prescribe doses that differ from the above dosages. Do not change your dose or take the medication contrary to the doctor’s directions. Atacand must not be given to children under 1 year of age, as there is a potential risk to the child’s developing kidneys.

Side effects

Atacand may exhibit some side effects, which include, but are not limited to, the list below. Report any new experience or feeling occurring after the use of Atacand.

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Back or leg pain
• Muscle cramps
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Dry mouth
• Cold symptoms
• Pneumonia
• Fainting spells
• Confusion

Contraindications

• The use of Atacand is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to candesartan, or any of the excipients used in the formulation.
• The use of Atacand is contraindicated in diabetes, kidney dysfunction, and in patients taking low blood pressure medications containing aliskiren.
• The use of Atacand is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Precautions

Always remember to inform your doctor of any allergies or medical conditions you may have, medications you are currently taking, if you are breastfeeding or pregnant, and any other important health conditions you might have.

Do not take Atacand without consulting a doctor if you:

• Are planning to become pregnant, already pregnant, or breastfeeding;
• Are diagnosed with a liver, kidney disease, and diabetes;
• Have had stroke or any heart attacks;
• Suffer from dehydration or excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating;
• Are on dialysis.

Drug interactions

Taking Atacand with certain drugs can either potentiate their effects in the body or nullify them.

• Heparin
• Co-trimoxazole
• Lithium
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and celecoxib.
• Blood pressure-lowering drugs
• Spironolactone
• Eplerenone

Frequently asked questions

How to store Atacand?

• Store away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Store at room temperature.
• Do not store in a humid place.
• Keep in a closed container.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

What if I overdose on Atacand?

• If you accidentally overdose on Atacand, seek immediate medical advice or call the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of overdose include bradycardia, pulmonary edema, hypotension, bronchospasm and hypoglycemia, cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure, AV block, depressed level of consciousness, conduction defects, and rarely, hyperkalemia

What if I miss a dose of Atacand?

Take a dose as soon as you remember if within 12 hours; however, if you remember after 12 hours, do not take a dose. Wait for the next dose and only take 1 tablet. Never try to double up on the doses.