Atacand Drug Details
Therapeutic Class:
Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
Forms:
Tablet, oral suspension
Administration:
By mouth
Therapeutic Uses:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Congestive heart failure
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Atacand Drug Class
Atacand (ah-tah-kand) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB).
Atacand Age Range
Atacand is approved for use in adults. The safety and efficacy of this medication in pediatric patients have not been established. However, it may be used to treat hypertension in pediatric patients 1 to 17 years of age.
Atacand Uses
Atacand Uses
Atacand is used to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to treat congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart does not pump blood efficiently.
There may be other uses of Atacand—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.
Atacand Mechanism of Action
Atacand is an angiotensin II receptor blocker. It works by stopping the action of a substance called angiotensin II in the body that tightens blood vessels. By allowing blood vessels to relax, Atacand helps to ease blood flow. This lowers blood pressure and decreases the workload of the heart.
Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of serious chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Studies also show that treatment with Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) can prevent diabetic kidney disease (early kidney damage) in mildly hypertensive patients with diabetes.
Atacand Doses
Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) is available in tablet form in strengths of 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, and 32 mg. Your pharmacist can also make a liquid suspension if you have trouble swallowing pills.
Treatment of Hypertension
The dose of Atacand is individualized for each patient based on blood pressure response (reduction from baseline diastolic blood pressures and systolic blood pressures). The systolic blood pressure is the upper number, and the diastolic blood pressure is the lower number.
The usual Atacand dose ranges between 2 mg to 32 mg daily. The typical starting dose is 16 mg once per day. The maintenance dose can range from 8 mg to 32 mg (total) taken once or twice daily.
If blood pressure is not controlled on Atacand monotherapy, your doctor may prescribe combined therapy with Atacand and a diuretic (water pill) or other blood pressure medications.
Patients with moderate hepatic impairment (reduced liver function) are typically started on a lower dose (8 mg) of Atacand daily. This blood pressure medicine is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment.
The Atacand dosage in children depends on the child’s body weight and baseline systolic and diastolic pressures.
Treatment of Heart Failure
The recommended initial dose of Atacand in adult heart failure patients is 4 mg once per day. This dose is doubled every 2 weeks. The target dose is 32 mg once per day for consistent cardiovascular outcome benefit.
Atacand Directions
How To Use Atacand
Atacand comes in the form of a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food. Your pharmacist can also prepare an oral suspension if you have trouble swallowing pills.
Read the prescription label carefully and follow your doctor’s dosing instructions. Do not change the dose or dosing frequency of Atacand without your healthcare provider’s approval. Try to take your medicine at around the same time(s) every day.
If you are taking Atacand oral suspension, shake the bottle before use. Measure the dose of liquid medicine with a dose measuring cup or syringe, and not a regular household spoon.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of Atacand and increase the dose every two weeks, as needed, based on your blood pressure response.
It can take 2-4 weeks for you to get the full benefits of this medicine and achieve blood pressure goals. Atacand may help to control your blood pressure but it will not treat the underlying condition. Continue taking Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) even if you feel well. Do not discontinue treatment with this medicine without talking to your doctor. Doing so can result in high blood pressure or worsening heart failure and put you at risk of serious health complications.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of Atacand, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage: Store Atacand tablets at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in their original container, tightly closed. Store Atacand suspension at room temperature. Do not freeze. Use it within 30 days of opening the bottle. Do not use Atacand after the expiration date. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.
Unused medicine: Unused Atacand should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw Atacand in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded Atacand is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on Atacand (candesartan cilexetil). The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about Atacand, talk to your doctor for medical advice.
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Atacand Side Effects
Atacand Side Effects
Possible side effects of Atacand are listed below. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects if they are severe or persist after a few days once your body adjusts to the medicine.
- Headache
- Back pain
- Signs and symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection such as sore throat
Some of the adverse effects of Atacand are more serious. Call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention if you develop:
- A serious skin reaction with rash, hives, swelling, peeling, or blistering
- Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, hands or feet
- Hoarseness
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Chest pain
- Decreased urination
The above list may not include all the potential side effects of Atacand. Contact your healthcare provider if the adverse reactions are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Atacand Overdose: In case of an overdose of Atacand, call your doctor immediately. You can also call your local poison control center or the national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if a person has stopped breathing, is not responding, has collapsed, or had a seizure. Overdose symptoms may include lightheadedness, fainting, and a fast or slow heart rate.
Source: FDA
Atacand Warnings
Atacand Risks, Warnings, and Complications
Atacand can cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other medications for high blood pressure or heart failure if you are at an increased risk of adverse reactions from this drug. Some of the risks of taking Atacand include:
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Precautions Before Starting Atacand
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Atacand (candesartan cilexetil), any of the active or inactive ingredients in Atacand formulations, other angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.
Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible interactions between Atacand and your other medicines.
Give your doctor a complete medical history. Atacand may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions such as heart disease, severe or moderate renal impairment (kidney disease), or severe hepatic insufficiency (liver disease).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
Precautions During Use of Atacand
Keep all your medical and lab appointments while on Atacand. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your response to the medicine. They will also order certain blood tests periodically to keep an eye on your kidney function and blood potassium levels.
Atacand can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting as side effects, especially when you first start treatment and during dose escalations. Be careful when going from a lying or sitting position to standing. Get out of bed slowly by first resting your feet on the ground for a few minutes. Tell your doctor if you have severe dizziness.
Alcohol can make these side effects worse. Avoid drinking while on Atacand.
Be careful while driving or doing other hazardous activities until you know how the medicine affects you.
Diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, and dehydration can cause low blood pressure with symptoms of lightheadedness and fainting. Call your doctor if you develop volume depletion during treatment with Atacand.
Stop taking Atacand and tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment with this drug.
Tell all your healthcare providers you are on Atacand, especially before any surgery, including dental procedures.
Atacand Drug Interactions
Concomitant use of certain other medicines can affect how Atacand works. Possible interactions with other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse events. Your doctor will change your dose, switch you to a different medication, and/or monitor you carefully for side effects if there are known interactions between your medications.
You should not take Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) if you have diabetes mellitus (high blood glucose) and are taking a medication called aliskiren (Tekturna, Tekturna HCT, Tekamlo, in Amturnide).
The following medications can also have drug interactions with Atacand.
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
- Potassium supplements
- Salt substitutes
The above list may not include all the potential drug interactions of Atacand. Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.
Atacand Pros & Cons
Atacand Pros and Cons
- Atacand is a first-choice drug for lowering blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
- It is an angiotensin II receptor blocker and tends to cause fewer side effects than other blood pressure medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
- Your pharmacist can make an oral suspension of Atacand if you have trouble swallowing pills.
- There is a lower-cost generic available.
- Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) is not safe for use during pregnancy.
- The lowering of blood pressure effect generally takes 2-4 weeks to appear after starting treatment with this blood pressure medicine.
- Atacand can cause high blood potassium levels.
- It can interact with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Atacand Pharmacist Tips
Atacand Tips from Pharmacists
You can take Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) with or without food. If the medication causes stomach upset, taking it with food might help.
Atacand can cause dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when going from a sitting or lying position to standing. Get out of bed slowly to prevent falls.
Keep all your medical and lab appointments while on Atacand. Your doctor will order blood tests periodically to keep an eye on potassium levels and ensure you have normal kidney function.
It is a good idea to keep a record of your blood pressure readings at home. Your healthcare provider will also monitor how well Atacand is working to lower blood pressure during medical appointments. They will adjust your dose accordingly.
Atacand can help in lowering blood pressure and treating heart failure but will not cure the underlying condition. Do not stop treatment with this blood pressure medicine without talking to your doctor first.
Lifestyle modification (eating a healthy, low-salt diet and getting regular exercise) also lowers blood pressure. These lifestyle changes are an important part of a comprehensive cardiovascular risk management strategy.
Atacand Rx Savings Tips
Atacand Rx Savings Tips
Atacand is a brand name medication and is available at significantly lower prices in the generic form (candesartan cilexetil). Brand name Atacand and generic candesartan cilexetil contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic version offers better value. A BuzzRx Atacand coupon can result in big savings on the brand name and generic forms of the drug. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons, the medication could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Atacand may be under $65.50 for 90 tablets of the 32 mg dose at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts on Atacand, give the checkout clerk your BuzzRx Atacand discount coupon when you drop off your prescriptions.
Lowest Price for Atacand | |
| Brand $84.44 | Generic $65.21 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. | |
Atacand Common Questions
Common Questions about Atacand
Is Atacand a beta blocker?No, Atacand is not a beta blocker. It belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs). Both ARBs and beta blockers can lower blood pressure, but they work in different ways. Your doctor will choose the best blood pressure medicine for you based on your medical history. |
How long does it take for Atacand to start working?Maximum reduction in blood pressure is generally obtained 2 weeks after starting Atacand, but it can take 4-6 weeks for this blood pressure medicine to take full effect. Your doctor may increase the dose at two-week intervals, depending on how effective Atacand is in lowering blood pressure. |
What is the best combination with candesartan (Atacand)?If you don’t get clinically significant blood pressure reduction on one blood pressure medicine, your doctor may prescribe combined therapy with an ARB such as candesartan cilexetil (Atacand) and a diuretic (water pill), beta blocker, or other blood pressure medications. If clinical adverse events occurred on Atacand, your doctor may stop Atacand and give you a blood pressure medicine from a different drug class, such as a beta blocker. |
Can I cut Atacand tablets in half?Yes, you can cut Atacand tablets in half along the score line. For example, if you are on a dose of 16 mg per day but have 32 mg tablets, you can split the 32 mg tablet in half. |
Is Atacand bad for the kidneys?Some people experience impaired renal function and even acute renal failure on Atacand. Risk factors for this complication include narrowed blood vessels in the kidneys (renal artery stenosis) and severe congestive heart failure. Your doctor will check for renal impairment (reduced kidney function) before starting treatment and periodically order kidney function tests while you are on Atacand (candesartan cilexetil). |
Is Atacand safe during pregnancy?Atacand is not safe during pregnancy. It can cause severe birth defects in the unborn baby. Stop taking Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) and call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while on this blood pressure medicine. |
What is the price of Atacand without insurance?Without insurance, Atacand can be as high as $389.99, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $65.21 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of Atacand with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on Atacand—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for Atacand. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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