Candesartan
Description
Candesartan is used alone or in combination with other medicines for the treatment of high blood pressure in adults and children above the age of 1 year. It is also used to treat congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to other parts of the body.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Candesartan
- Hypersensitivity
- Decrease in blood cell count
- Kidney Impairment
- Hypotension
- Trouble sleeping
- Back pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
Uses of Candesartan
What is it prescribed for?
- Hypertension
- Congestive Heart Failure
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 2-3 hours of administration of the dose.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 24 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in women who are breastfeeding.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to candesartan or any other medicine of the same class.
Aliskiren
Coadministration of Candesartan and aliskiren is not recommended in diabetic or renal impaired patients with creatinine clearance less than 60 ml/min due to the increased risk of hypotension, increased potassium levels, and worsening of renal disorders.
Pediatric use
Candesartan is not recommended for use in children under the age of 1 year due to the increased risk of severe kidney problems.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in women who are breastfeeding.
General warnings
Hypotension
Symptomatic hypotension may occur in patients with volume depletion or patients who are treated with high doses of diuretics. It is advised to correct the condition before starting Candesartan or start the treatment at reduced doses.
Hyperkalemia
Candesartan may cause hyperkalemia, a condition with an increase in the potassium levels in the blood. Close monitoring of potassium levels and kidney functions is recommended. This medicine should be used with caution in patients with frequent use of potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements and in patients with impaired kidney function. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor on priority.
Pediatric use
The safety and efficacy of this medicine have not been established in children under the age of 1 year.
Impaired liver function
The elimination of Candesartan is reduced in liver diseases. It is recommended to start the treatment at lower doses and titrate slowly.
Missed Dose
If a dose of Candesartan is missed, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Aliskiren
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI's)
Potassium sparing diuretics
Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim
Disease interactions
Hypotension
Candesartan should be used with caution in patients who are sodium depleted and/or volume depleted by diuretic use since it may increase the risk of hypotension. The volume depleted and/or sodium depleted state should be corrected before starting the therapy or the treatment should be started at a lower dose. Vital signs should be monitored closely during therapy with this medicine.
Angioedema
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of angioedema due to the increased risk of worsening of the condition. Report any symptoms such as swelling of the face or lips, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing to the doctor immediately. Stop the medicine if any of the above signs occur and immediately seek medical treatment. Discontinue the therapy if angioedema is associated with Candesartan. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine based on the clinical condition.
Congestive heart failure
Candesartan should be used with caution in patients with congestive heart failure, especially in volume or sodium depletion states. Initiate therapy cautiously since there is an increased risk of renal failure, myocardial ischemia, or death. Close monitoring of kidney and heart function is necessary during treatment with this medicine. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
It is advised to avoid potassium containing foods and supplements while taking this medicine due to the increased risk of weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, etc. Consult the doctor immediately in case of any unusual symptoms. Your dietitian/doctor may suggest appropriate changes in your diet based on your clinical condition.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Candesartan with or without food. Do not take in larger amounts than advised. Inform the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Candesartan works by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels and promoting a smooth blood flow.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Angiotensin receptor blockers
Schedule
Schedule H
DailyMed - CANDESARTAN - candesartan tablet [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 26 July 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 26 July 2017]. Available from:
Candesartan: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 26 July 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 26 July 2017]. Available from:
Candesartan (substance) [Internet]. Snomedbrowser.com. 2017 [cited 26 July 2017]. Available from:
Candesartan - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 26 July 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 3 Aug 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.