Atacand HCT

Generic name: Candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide

What is Atacand HCT?

Atacand HCT is used to treat high blood pressure. This drug belongs to a family of medications known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). This type of medication stops a hormone called angiotensin II from attaching to your blood vessels. Angiotensin II normally causes arteries to narrow. As a result of taking Atacand HCT, the blood vessels relax and widen, and blood pressure is reduced. This medication also contains hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic that helps to decrease high blood pressure as well.

What is the most important information I should know about Atacand HCT?

Atacand HCT should not be taken during pregnancy; this drug may cause severe birth defects.

Your blood pressure should be checked before and during Atacand HCT therapy. Atacand HCT may make the blood pressure too low, especially during the first days of use. If you faint, Atacand HCT should be stopped until you can talk to your doctor.

Who should not take Atacand HCT?

Do not take Atacand HCT if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Atacand HCT contains hydrochlorothiazide, so you should not take it if you have anuria (absence of urine formation), or if you are allergic to other sulfonamide-derived drugs.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Atacand HCT?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Atacand HCT. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are nursing.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual dosage of Atacand HCT is 16 milligrams (mg) once a day. Atacand HCT can be given once or twice daily, with a total dosage equal to 8-32 mg.

Hydrochlorothiazide is effective in doses of 12.5 mg to 50 mg once daily.

How should I take Atacand HCT?

Atacand HCT can be taken with or without food. If this drug does not make your blood pressure any better, it can be given with other medications.

What should I avoid while taking Atacand HCT?

Avoid becoming pregnant while being treated with Atacand HCT, as this can cause severe harm to your unborn baby.

Avoid excessive sweating and inadequate fluid intake, as this could cause a further decrease in your blood pressure.

Avoid taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor first.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Atacand HCT?

If Atacand HCT is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check you're your doctor before combining Atacand HCT with the following: alcohol, antidiabetic drugs, barbiturates, cholestyramine and colestipol resins, corticosteroids, lithium, narcotics, nondepolarizing muscle relaxants such as tubocurarine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pressor amines such as norepinephrine, and other high blood pressure medications.

What are the possible side effects of Atacand HCT?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: back pain, cold symptoms, dizziness, electrolyte imbalances (increase/decrease in calcium, potassium, magnesium), headache, flu symptoms, upper respiratory infection

Symptoms of abnormally low blood pressure include: dizziness, feeling faint or weak, lightheadedness

Can I receive Atacand HCT if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are nursing. Atacand HCT should not be taken if you are pregnant, as it may cause severe deformities and malformations to your child's face and limbs. Also, this drug may pass into your breast milk.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Atacand HCT?

If you miss a dose of Atacand HCT, be sure to take your dose as soon as you remember. However, do not take more than your prescribed dose on any one day.

How should I store Atacand HCT?

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.