Uses
This medication is
used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high
blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
This product contains 2 medications: candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
Candesartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers
(ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more
easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is a "water pill" (diuretic). It
increases the amount of urine you make, especially when you first start the
medication. It also helps to relax the blood vessels so that blood can flow
more easily.
These
medications are used together when 1 drug alone is not controlling your blood
pressure. Your doctor may direct you to start taking the individual medications
first, and then switch you over to this combination product if this is the best
dose combination for you.
Side Effects
Dizziness and lightheadedness may
occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If either of these effects
persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To
reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when
rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember
that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged
that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people
using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This
product may cause a loss of too much body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of dehydration or mineral
loss, including: extreme thirst, very dry mouth, muscle cramps/weakness,
fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, confusion.
Tell
your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting,
signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine),
toe/joint pain, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such
as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), decrease in vision, eye
pain.
A
very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get
medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat),
severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This
is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before
taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you
are allergic to candesartan or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist
for more details.
Before
using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,
especially of: kidney disease (such as renal artery stenosis), liver
disease, loss of too much body water and/or minerals (dehydration),
untreated mineral imbalance (such as low or high potassium), gout, lupus, skin
cancer.
This
drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you
more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness
until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Too
much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause loss of too
much body water (dehydration) and increase your risk of dizziness or lightheadedness.
Report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to your doctor. Be sure to
drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration unless your doctor directs you
otherwise.
Before
having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products
you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
If
you have diabetes, this medication may affect your blood sugar. Check
your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your
doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of high blood
sugar such as increased thirst/urination. Your doctor may need to adjust
your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
This
drug may affect your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or
salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This
medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. It may also increase your
risk for skin cancer, especially if you take it for a long time. Limit
your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and
wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get
sunburned, have skin blisters/redness, or notice new or changed
moles/skin lesions.
Older
adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially
dizziness and change in the amount of urine (kidney problems).
This
medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an
unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.)
This
drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.