Candesartan

💊 What is Candesartan used for?

• •High blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and in children 1 to under 17 years of age, to lower blood pressure
• •Certain types of heart failure in adults (NYHA class II to IV), to reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure

How it works

Candesartan is a selective blocker of the AT1 receptor, which is where angiotensin II acts. The label describes candesartan cilexetil as a prodrug that is converted to candesartan in the body after it is absorbed from the gut. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and heart attacks, according to the label.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says to take candesartan exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• •It is taken by mouth, with or without food.
• •The label says not to change the dose or stop the medicine without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well.
• •If a child cannot swallow tablets, the pharmacist may prepare a liquid suspension. The label says to shake the suspension bottle well before each dose.
• •The label says that most of the blood pressure effect appears within 2 weeks, and the maximum effect is generally reached within 4 to 6 weeks.
• •The label says a diuretic may be added if blood pressure is not controlled by candesartan alone.

Comes as

• •4 mg tablets (white to off-white, round)
• •8 mg tablets (light pink, round)
• •16 mg tablets (pink, round)
• •32 mg tablets (pink, round)
• •Oral suspension (liquid), prepared by a pharmacist for children who cannot swallow tablets

⚠️ Candesartan side effects

🛑 Who should not take Candesartan, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You are allergic to any ingredient in candesartan tablets.
• 🚨You have diabetes and are taking aliskiren. The label says aliskiren must not be given with candesartan to patients with diabetes.
• 🚨The label says children under 1 year of age must not receive candesartan for high blood pressure.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, liver problems, or kidney problems.
• •Tell your doctor if you currently have vomiting or diarrhea.
• •Tell your doctor if you are scheduled for surgery or anesthesia. The label says low blood pressure can happen during major surgery and anesthesia in people taking this drug class.
• •Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• •Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. The label says it is not known whether candesartan passes into breast milk, and that you and your doctor should decide whether to take candesartan or breastfeed, not both.
• •Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •The label says to keep a list of your medicines to show your doctor and pharmacist.

🔀 Candesartan with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Lithium (used for some types of depression): can raise lithium levels and toxicity. The label says to monitor lithium levels.
• •Other blood pressure medicines, especially water pills (diuretics): can increase the risk of low blood pressure and kidney changes.
• •ACE inhibitors and aliskiren: combining these with candesartan increases the risk of low blood pressure, high potassium, and kidney changes.
• •A combination of candesartan, an ACE inhibitor, and a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist is generally not recommended, according to the label.
• •Potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, and potassium-containing salt substitutes: may cause high potassium (hyperkalemia).
• •NSAIDs (including COX-2 inhibitors): may affect kidney function and can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of candesartan.

Alcohol and food

The label says candesartan may be taken with or without food. The label does not give guidance about alcohol.

🤰 Candesartan in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says candesartan can cause fetal harm when given to a pregnant woman. Drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters reduce fetal kidney function and increase fetal and newborn illness and death. When pregnancy is detected, the label says to stop candesartan as soon as possible. The label advises discussing treatment options with women planning pregnancy, and telling your doctor about a pregnancy as soon as possible.

Breastfeeding

The label says it is not known whether candesartan passes into breast milk. You and your doctor should decide whether to take candesartan or breastfeed. The label says you should not do both.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Short temperature changes between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) are permitted. Keep the container tightly closed.

If a dose is missed

The label says to take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on time. Do not take 2 doses at one time. If you are not sure, call your doctor or pharmacist.

If too much is taken

The label says the most likely effects of an overdose are low blood pressure, dizziness, and a fast heart rate. A slow heart rate could also occur. Supportive treatment should be given if low blood pressure occurs. The label says candesartan cannot be removed by hemodialysis. If you take more than prescribed, call your doctor, your local poison control center, or go to the nearest emergency room.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Candesartan

• What should I do if I think I might be pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking candesartan?
• Are there other ways to lower my blood pressure that you would recommend if I plan to become pregnant?
• How often will I need blood tests to check my kidney function and potassium levels?
• Which of my current medicines, including water pills, potassium supplements, or pain relievers, could interact with candesartan?
• What should I do if I feel dizzy or faint, especially after standing up?
• What should I tell my surgeon or anesthesia team about taking candesartan?
• If I have diarrhea or vomiting, should I change how I take candesartan?

❓ Candesartan: frequently asked questions