Atacand HCT 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 which is 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, regular physical exercise, and – in some cases – prescription medication.

Marketed Internationally as Atacand Plus

In some countries, Atacand HCT is sold under the brand name Atacand Plus.

Atacand HCT Active Ingredients

Generic Atacand Alternative: Candesartan Cilexetil/ Hydrochlorothiazide

Atacand HCT combines two active ingredients. Candesartan belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

It relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic which increases the amount of urine produced by the body. This medication also helps improve blood flow.

Atacand HCT in the News

Mylan Launches Generic Version of Atacand HCT

Mylan Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval for a generic version of the hypertension medication Atacand HCT.

The new candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide tablets will be available in several strengths.

In the US, Atacand HCT had sales of $56.3 million during a 12-month period ending on September 30, 2012.

Source: http://investor.mylan.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mylan-launches-generic-version-atacand-hctr

General Drug Information

What is Atacand HCT and What Is It Used For?

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

Atacand HCT is a combination medication and is often prescribed when its two active ingredients, when used on their own, are not sufficient to lower blood pressure.

Usage and Application

Atacand HCT should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment.

Most patients are prescribed one daily oral dose. This medication is a combination drug which contains a diuretic and increases the need to urinate. Therefore, it is best to avoid taking it before bed or within four hours ahead of your bedtime.

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 four weeks before people experience the full benefit of Atacand HCT. Patients should continue taking the medication even if they feel well. This is especially important as hypertension does not often have symptoms.

Patients who use drugs to lower their cholesterol should take Atacand HCT at least four hours before (and at least four hours after taking these medications). This is particularly relevant to patients who take cholestyramine or colestipol.

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

Considerations Before Taking Atacand HCT

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

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history with a physician, especially relating to liver disease, dehydration, and low or high levels of potassium in the blood. Patients should also report if they suffer from gout, lupus, or kidney disease (eg. renal artery stenosis).

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

Patients should take active steps to avoid dehydration. Vomiting, diarrhea, and profuse sweating can cause dehydration and make patients feel lightheaded. Patients should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Report problems like prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor.

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

Diabetic patients need to be aware that Atacand HCT may affect their blood sugar levels. Patients should monitor their blood sugar regularly and report the results to their doctor. Patients should inform their doctor in the event of symptoms like increased thirst and/or urination. Such patients may need to have their diabetes medication adjusted, along with their diet or exercise program.

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

This medication may increase sun sensitivity. Patients should limit time in the sun and avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Always wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Report any sunburn to your doctor.

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

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

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 HCT 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 HCT

Drug interactions may change the way Atacand HCT 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 Valturna – may interact negatively with Atacand HCT. The same applies to the antiarrhythmic medicine dofetilide and the mood stabilizer lithium.

Negative interactions may occur with drugs that increase potassium levels. Examples include some hypertension drugs like benazepril and lisinopril, as well as birth control pills containing drospirenone.

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.

Atacand HCT may interfere with certain laboratory tests, causing false results. Patients should warn laboratory personnel that they are taking this medication.

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

Adverse Reactions

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

Common side effects include dizziness and lightheadedness. 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. Contact your doctor in the event these side effects persist or worsen.

Some patients may experience dehydration and the loss of minerals from the body. Symptoms include extreme thirst, very dry mouth, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and confusion.

Serious side effects include fainting, eye pain, decrease in vision, joint pain, and kidney problems. Patients should also monitor for symptoms of high levels of potassium in the blood, such as muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat.

Serious allergic reactions to Atacand HCT 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 HCT

Atacand HCT 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.