Candesartan

CAUTION:
Do not take candesartan if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking candesartan, call your doctor without delay.

O  General Information and Indications:

Candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure. It blocks the action of certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.This drug is sometimes ordered for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

O  Information For Users:

Candesartan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take candesartan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.

Candesartan controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue taking candesartan even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking candesartan without informing your doctor.

Candesartan is sometimes used to treat congestive heart failure. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication.

O  Special precautions:

o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy to candesartan, benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), irbesartan (Avapro), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), losartan (Cozaar), moexipril (Univasc), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), sulfas, telmisartan (Micardis), trandolapril (Mavik), valsartan (Diovan), or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially barbiturates; diuretics ('water pills'); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for diabetes; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen [Motrin, Advil], naproxen [Naprosyn, Aleve], and others); other medications for high blood pressure; potassium supplements; and vitamins.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding heart, kidney, or liver disease or diabetes.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking candesartan.

Talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes containing potassium. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

O  Possible Adverse Effects:

Though adverse effects of candesartan are not common, they could occur. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

o dizziness
o lightheadedness
o congestion
o cough
o diarrhea
o headache
o muscle aches
o back pain
o fever
o sore throat
o runny nose

If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:

o swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o fainting
o rash

O  Brand Name(s):

o Atacand®