What is candesartan?
Candesartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Candesartan
keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together
with other blood pressure medications.
Candesartan is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 (not insulin-dependent)
diabetes.
Candesartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking candesartan?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to candesartan.
Before using candesartan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby.
Candesartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and
third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not use candesartan without your doctor's consent if you are
pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right
away if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether candesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take candesartan?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your
prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this
medication.
You may take candesartan with or without food.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be
checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
It may take 2 to 4 weeks of using this medicine before your blood pressure is under control.
For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not
improve after 4 weeks of treatment.
Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using
candesartan. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Store candesartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of candesartan?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about candesartan?
Your pharmacist has information about candesartan written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of candesartan?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, candesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal
muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain,
tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effect, such as:
-
feeling like you might pass out;
-
chest pain;
-
swelling in your hands or feet; or
-
slow heart rate, weak pulse, tingly feeling.
Less serious side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your
doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about candesartan?
Do not
use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant.
Candesartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and
third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell
your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to candesartan.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the
side effects of candesartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking candesartan,
unless your doctor has told you to.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be
checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
In rare cases, candesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal
muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain,
tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
What should I avoid while taking candesartan?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the
side effects of candesartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking candesartan,
unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly
and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
What other drugs will affect candesartan?
Before taking candesartan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
a diuretic (water pill); or
-
lithium (Eskalith, LithoBid, Lithonate).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
candesartan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.
This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of candesartan?