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.