Atacand Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Hypertension

Hypertension (or high blood pressure), is the force with which blood pushes against the walls of blood vessels. There are two components to any blood pressure reading: systolic pressure (the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (the pressure in between beats when the heart is at rest).

People with clinical hypertension have systolic pressure higher than 130 mmHg and diastolic pressure higher than 80 mmHg. If left untreated, high blood pressure drastically increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. It is possible to successfully reduce high blood pressure through dietary changes and regular physical exercise.

Heart Failure

Heart failure is a chronic condition which occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. The condition is caused by chronic hypertension or coronary artery disease.

It manifests in symptoms like shortness of breath, tiredness, irregular heartbeat, and swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet. This condition can be managed with treatment and lifestyle changes like losing weight and reducing stress levels.

Atacand Active Ingredient

Generic Atacand Alternative: Candesartan Cilexetil

Atacand contains the active ingredient candesartan, which belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Candesartan relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily.

General Drug Information

What is Atacand and What Is It Used For?

Atacand is prescribed to patients with high blood pressure. It lowers high blood pressure to healthier levels, thus helping to prevent stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems. Atacand is also prescribed to patients with heart failure.

This medication is not safe for use in children below one, due to safety considerations.

Usage and Application

Atacand should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on weight.

Most patients are prescribed one or two oral doses per day. It is important to take this medication regularly in order to experience its full benefit. Patients should take the medication at the same time every day to prevent forgetting.

It may take up to six weeks before people experience the full benefit of Atacand. Patients should continue taking the medication even if they feel well. This is especially important as hypertension does not often have symptoms.

Patients should inform their doctor if their blood pressure readings remain high, or if their condition worsens.

Considerations Before Taking Atacand

Before buying Atacand and starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to the medication. If you shop for Atacand online, note that you may encounter the drug under its generic name candesartan.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially liver disease, dehydration, and high levels of potassium in the blood (known as hyperkalemia).

Atacand may cause dizziness. Patients should not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until they are in condition to do so safely. Alcohol and marijuana can exacerbate dizziness, so patients should limit alcoholic beverages and discuss any marijuana use with their doctor.

Patients should take active steps to avoid dehydration. Vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating profusely can cause dehydration and make patients feel lightheaded. Patients should report such problems to their doctor.

Atacand may increase levels of potassium in the body. Patients should discuss the use of potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium with their doctor.

Before surgery or certain dental procedures, patients should tell their doctor or dentist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products they are taking.

Older adults are likely to be more sensitive to some negative side effects of Atacand, including dizziness, increased potassium levels, and kidney problems.

Atacand should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby. Women should consult their doctor for more details.

It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Atacand should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up on the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Atacand

Drug interactions may change the way Atacand works, increasing the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some medications – such as the blood pressure medication Tekturna and the mood stabilizer Eskalith – may interact negatively with Atacand. The same applies to drugs that are likely to increase potassium levels. Examples include some hypertension drugs like benazepril and lisinopril, and birth control pills containing drospirenone.

Patients should also note that some products – especially diet pills, cough-and-cold products, and NSAIDs – may contain ingredients that can raise blood pressure or worsen heart failure. Patients should discuss the safe use of these products with their doctor or pharmacist.

This document does not contain a full list of all possible interactions. Please consult with your physician before buying Atacand or any of its generic alternatives online.

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to use Atacand without serious negative side effects.

Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, and tiredness. These effects may be especially pronounced at the start of treatment, as the patient’s body adjusts to the medication. To reduce discomfort, patients should get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Some patients may also experience a sore throat or a runny nose. Patients should inform their doctor if these symptoms persist.

Serious side effects include fainting and high potassium levels, which can manifest in symptoms like muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat.

Atacand may help people with hypertension avoid the subsequent development of kidney problems. However, in rare cases, the medication can lead to kidney problem or exacerbate already-existing ones. Patients taking this medication should undergo regular kidney function tests. Report problems like changes in the amount of urine immediately to your doctor.

Serious allergic reactions to Atacand are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Atacand

Atacand should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.