Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide

Generic Name: candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide

Brands: Atacand HCT

What is the most important information I should know about Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Do not take this medication if you are pregnant. Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, candesartan can cause injury and even death of the developing fetus. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

· Stop taking Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide and contact your doctor if fainting occurs.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide.

What is Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Candesartan is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Candesartan prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries).

· Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It increases the amount of water and salt you lose in your urine. Hydrochlorothiazide is used to lower blood pressure and to decrease edema (swelling).

· Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide is used to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure).

· Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Do not take Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide.

· Before taking Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor if you ·have diabetes; ·have gout; ·have a collagen vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus; ·have a history of allergies or asthma; ·have pancreatitis; ·have kidney disease; ·have liver disease; ·have any type of heart disease or have had a stroke; ·are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood; or ·are taking a potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others), or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).

· You may not be able to take Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Do not take Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Take Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

· Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide can be taken with or without food.

· Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medication, your condition could become worse.

· Store Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide overdose are not well known but may include dizziness, weakness, fainting, fatigue, and changes in heart rhythm.

What should I avoid while taking Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Stop taking Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide and contact your doctor if fainting occurs.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide.

· Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt may cause your body to retain water and may decrease the effects of hydrochlorothiazide.

· Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Candesartan can affect potassium levels in your body.

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

· Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. It is easy to become dangerously dehydrated while taking hydrochlorothiazide.

What are the possible side effects of Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment. ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); ·little or no urine; ·unusual fatigue, abnormal bleeding or bruising; ·yellow skin or eyes or confusion; or ·fainting.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide and talk to your doctor if you experience ·dizziness; ·headache; ·nausea or upset stomach; ·diarrhea; ·sore muscles or joints; ·insomnia; ·congestion or cough; ·increased urination; or ·increased sweating.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Before taking Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor if you are taking ·a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others; ·a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide); ·a barbiturate such as phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), pentobarbital (Nembutal), secobarbital (Seconal), mephobarbital (Mebaral), and others; ·a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), and others; ·an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolazamide (Tolinase), or tolbutamide (Orinase); ·cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); or ·lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others).

· You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide written for health professionals that you may read.

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