Atacand HCT® (Candesartan Cilexetil/Hydrochlorothiazide) Tablets for Hypertension

What Candesartan HCTZ Is and How It Works

Candesartan HCTZ combines an angiotensin receptor blocker and a thiazide diuretic in one tablet. The candesartan cilexetil part relaxes blood vessels by blocking angiotensin II at the AT1 receptor. Hydrochlorothiazide increases sodium and water excretion in the kidneys. Together, they lower blood pressure more than either agent alone. Candesartan HCTZ is taken by mouth once daily.

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Typical strengths include 16 mg/12.5 mg, 32 mg/12.5 mg, and 32 mg/25 mg tablets. These match common needs such as stepping up from monotherapy or maintaining control in people requiring two agents. Many patients know the brand as Atacand HCT®, which contains the same active ingredients as generic candesartan hydrochlorothiazide.

Lowering high blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems over time. This combination helps by reducing fluid volume and relaxing arteries. Most people take it once each morning. Food does not meaningfully affect absorption. Consistent daily dosing supports steady blood pressure control.

The product contains candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide in fixed doses. Candesartan cilexetil is a prodrug converted to active candesartan during absorption. Hydrochlorothiazide acts early at the distal tubules to promote diuresis. The two mechanisms complement each other, and many treatment guidelines recommend either a combination pill or separate agents when a single drug does not achieve targets.

Dosage and Usage

• Usual starting dose: 16 mg candesartan cilexetil/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide once daily.
• Titration: reassess after 2–4 weeks; if needed, increase to 32 mg/12.5 mg once daily.
• Further titration: if additional control is required, 32 mg/25 mg once daily may be used.
• Switching from monotherapy: those stabilized on candesartan or HCTZ alone may switch to the nearest combination strength under medical guidance.
• Administration: take at the same time each day, preferably morning to limit nighttime urination.
• With or without food: either is acceptable; be consistent with routine.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew unless advised by a pharmacist.
• Missed dose: take when remembered on the same day; skip if close to the next dose. Do not double up.
• Not for rapid blood pressure spikes or emergencies; it works over days to weeks.
• Alcohol and dehydrating factors may increase dizziness; rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.

• Store tablets at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); brief excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable.
• Keep tablets dry and in the original, closed bottle. Protect from moisture and light.
• Do not store in a bathroom. Avoid heat in cars or windowsills.
• For travel, use a carry-on bag. Keep the labeled container for security checks.
• Use a small pill organizer if helpful, and carry a copy of your prescription.
• Do not freeze or refrigerate.

Benefits and Savings

This combination offers two proven mechanisms in one daily tablet. It simplifies regimens and may improve adherence compared with separate pills. Candesartan HCTZ often provides stronger blood pressure reductions than either component alone, which can help more patients reach targets and sustain them over time.

Buying from Canada can reduce monthly spend. Many US customers see 60–80% savings compared with typical US pharmacy prices. If you compare candesartan HCTZ price or candesartan HCTZ cost across options, combination tablets from Canada can be an economical path to long-term control. Multi-month supplies may further lower the per-month cost, and you can set friendly reorder reminders at checkout.

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Side Effects and Safety

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when starting or increasing the dose.
• Headache or fatigue.
• Nausea or stomach discomfort.
• Increased urination, usually early in therapy.
• Low blood pressure, with possible faintness when standing up quickly.
• Electrolyte changes: low sodium; low potassium from HCTZ or, less often, high potassium from the ARB component.
• Muscle cramps or weakness related to electrolyte shifts.
• Photosensitivity or sunburn risk with HCTZ.
• Higher uric acid and possible gout flare.
• Dry mouth or thirst.
• Mild increases in blood glucose in some patients.

Serious but uncommon risks include allergic reactions, angioedema (swelling of face, lips, or tongue), kidney function changes, severe electrolyte imbalance, pancreatitis, liver problems, and rare eye issues such as acute angle-closure symptoms. The drug is contraindicated in pregnancy due to fetal toxicity risk. Avoid combining with aliskiren in diabetes. Lithium levels may rise with thiazides. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the antihypertensive effect. Clinicians usually monitor kidney function and electrolytes, especially after dose changes.

Onset Time

Diuretic effects can appear within hours of a dose. Blood pressure typically starts to decline within one to two weeks. The full effect often takes about four to six weeks as the body adjusts. If the dose is increased, allow a similar interval to gauge the new response. Steady daily use supports consistent control throughout the day.

Compare With Alternatives

Some patients reach targets with an angiotensin receptor blocker alone. For example, Telmisartan is an ARB dosed once daily that can be used alone or combined later with a diuretic if needed.

Others may use an ACE inhibitor plus a thiazide in one tablet, such as lisinopril/HCTZ. ACE inhibitors can cause cough in some people. ARBs like candesartan tend to have a lower cough risk.

In special cases, central agents are chosen. Methyldopa is sometimes used when other options are not appropriate, including certain pregnancy contexts where ARBs are contraindicated.

Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are usually reserved for edema or specific heart and kidney conditions rather than routine chronic blood pressure control. Therapy should be individualized based on response, comorbidities, and tolerability.

Combination Therapy

• With a calcium channel blocker (e.g., amlodipine) for additional blood pressure reduction.
• With a beta blocker when heart rate control or cardiac indications exist.
• With other diuretics in select cases; potassium-sparing agents (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene) may raise potassium.
• With statins for cardiovascular risk reduction; no direct interaction, but monitoring is routine.
• With SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetes; watch for volume depletion when starting diuretics.
• Dose adjustments of concomitant agents may be needed to limit excessive hypotension.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This medicine suits adults who need two agents to control hypertension or those not controlled on either candesartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone. It is not for children unless directed by a specialist. It is not used in pregnancy, and caution is advised during breastfeeding.

Use caution in advanced kidney disease, severe liver impairment, anuria, or bilateral renal artery stenosis. Gout, low sodium, or a history of severe sulfonamide reactions require careful consideration. Diabetes and metabolic concerns may be relevant due to thiazide effects on glucose and lipids. Alcohol can amplify dizziness and blood pressure lowering. Common interactions include lithium, NSAIDs, and aliskiren (especially in diabetes).

To manage costs, consider ordering a multi-month supply when appropriate. Bulk promotions can reduce the monthly spend further. You can set simple reorder reminders so you never run short. You place your order online or by phone during business hours, upload your prescription, and we handle prompt, express shipping to the US at Canadian prices.

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed: candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide tablets

FDA label: Atacand HCT (candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide)

Health Canada Drug Product Database: candesartan cilexetil with hydrochlorothiazide

Order Candesartan HCTZ from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This page is for education only and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional.