Candesartan

Candesartan is prescribed to treat heart failure as well as high blood pressure. It is an angiotensin II antagonist that works by relaxing your blood vessels. This action lowers blood pressure and allows your heart to pump blood easily to various organs of your body. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent kidney problems, strokes, and heart attacks. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

🔁

What is Candesartan used for?

Candesartan is prescribed to treat heart failure as well as high blood pressure. It is an angiotensin II antagonist that works by relaxing your blood vessels. This action lowers blood pressure and allows your heart to pump blood easily to various organs of your body. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent kidney problems, strokes, and heart attacks. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

What are the side effects of Candesartan?

Like other medicines, Candesartan can cause some side effects. If they do occur, the side effects of Candesartan are most likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and may require the individual to inform the doctor or visit the nearest hospital immediately.

It is pertinent to note that side effects of Candesartan cannot be anticipated. If any side effects of Candesartan develop or change in intensity, the doctor should be informed as soon as possible.

Candesartan can cause side effects such as nausea, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia, cough, blurred vision, and sore throat. Some of the serious side effects of this drug are muscle or joint pains, dark urine, hives, and swelling of the lips, tongue, or face. This is not a complete list of all side effects. Do concur with your doctor and follow his directions completely when you are taking Candesartan.

What is the recommended dosage of Candesartan?

The dosage of Candesartan prescribed to each patient will vary. Always follow your physician’s instructions and/or the directions on the prescription drug label. The following dosage information includes the common dose of Candesartan. If your dose is different, do not follow the dosage described below unless your physician has approved.

The recommended oral dosage for heart failure is 4 mg once a day and that for hypertension is 8 mg once a day. It may be taken with or without food.

What if you miss a dose of Candesartan?

If your physician has instructed or directed you to take Candesartan medication in a regular schedule and you have missed a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the doses unless otherwise directed.

What if you overdose on Candesartan?

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose of Candesartan, seek medical attention immediately. Some of the overdose symptoms of this drug are dizziness, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, fatigue, weakness, and fainting.

What other drugs could interact with Candesartan?

It may be noted that drugs other than those listed above may also interact with Candesartan.

Usually drug interactions occur when it is taken with another drug or with food. Before you take a medication for a particular ailment, you should inform the health expert about intake of any other medications including non-prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines that may increase the effect of Candesartan, and dietary supplements like vitamins, minerals and herbal, so that the doctor can warn you of any possible drug interactions.

Candesartan can interact with potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium-containing salt substitutes, ACE inhibitors, and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Do let your doctor know if you smoke, consume alcohol or caffeinated drinks, or use illegal drugs as these may interfere with the action of your medication. Make sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions you may have, or any family history of medical problems. Do not start or stop using any medicine without consulting your doctor.

What are the questions to ask your doctor before taking Candesartan?

Is it possible for me to take Candesartan with other drugs?
Should certain beverages, foods and other products be avoided when I take Candesartan?
What are the possible drug interactions of Candesartan?
How will Candesartan work in my body?
How should Candesartan be taken?
How to reduce the risk of Candesartan drug interactions and side effects?

 

Note

The health and medical information provided here is intended to supplement and not substitute for the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacists or other health care professional. Candesartan should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, heart problems, or gall bladder problems. It is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.