0

Home > Drug Category > Blood Pressure Medication (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker) > Atacand Plus and Equivalent

Atacand Plus Information

Atacand Plus (Candesartan/HCTZ) is an antihypertensive used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It's typically prescribed when a person's blood pressure hasn't been adequately controlled by either candesartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone. Lowering high blood pressure is really crucial, as sustained hypertension can damage blood vessels in vital organs, leading to serious complications such as cardiovascular events, kidney failure, and blindness. Atacand Plus is actually the brand name for a drug that combines two active ingredients: candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker which works by blocking the action of a naturally occurring substance in your body (Angiotensin II) that normally causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow. This action effectively makes the blood vessels relax and widen, which helps to lower blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, often called a water pill. It basically increases the flow of urine, helping the body get rid of excess water and sodium. This reduction in fluid volume also contributes to lowering blood pressure.

Atacand Plus Side Effects

As with any medication, Atacand Plus can cause a range of side effects, some of which are more common and others that are serious but rare. Some common side effects of this medication include back or leg pain, muscle cramps, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, constipation, headache, nausea and vomiting. Contact your if these side effects worsen or persist.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Blood vessel inflammation with symptoms like fever, confusion, fatigue, unusual sweating, joint or muscle swelling or pain, bluish-purple blotches on skin;
• Changes in vision such as blurred vision, increased eye pressure, eye pain;
• Clotting problems with symptoms like unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums;
• Electrolyte imbalance with symptoms like confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, muscle fatigue;
• High blood sugar with symptoms like frequent urination, thirst, and hunger;
• Kidney problems such as decreased urination, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the feet and ankles;
• Liver Disorder with symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• Non-melanoma skin cancer with symptoms like lump or discoloured patch on the skin that stays after a few weeks and slowly changes;
• Pancreatitis with symptoms like abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen;
• Respiratory distress with symptoms like slow, shallow, or weak breathing, wheezing, difficulty breathing at rest;
• Severe low pressure with symptoms like severe dizziness and fainting;
• Urinary tract infection with symptoms like burning when passing urine, blood in the urine, or increased urgency to urinate

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Atacand Plus Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to the active and inactive ingredients in Atacand Plus, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Blood disorders;
• Breathing problems;
• Dehydration;
• Diabetes;
• Electrolyte imbalances;
• Eye conditions such as glaucoma;
• Gout;
• Heart disease, such as heart failure;
• High cholesterol levels;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Low blood pressure;
• Psoriasis;
• Skin cancer;
• Systemic lupus erythematosus;
• Urinating difficulties

Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you, as it can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. This medication can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Therefore, avoid exposure to sunlight for long periods and wear protective clothing outdoors during treatment. As recent studies have shown an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer with long-term hydrochlorothiazide use, it is essential to check your skin regularly for unusual growths or discoloration and report any changes to your doctor as soon as possible.

Candesartan may cause severe harm to an unborn fetus and should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Breastfeeding is also not recommended while using this medication, as it can enter the breast milk and cause adverse effects in the infant. The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children. This medication should be used with caution in older adults, as they may be more prone to its side effects, such as postural hypotension.

Atacand Plus may interact with other medications, such as ACE inhibitors, leading to adverse effects. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine if it is safe to use along with Atacand Plus. Take these tablets orally, on an empty stomach as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you depending on your condition and response to treatment. Take this medication regularly as prescribed for optimal effectiveness. Do not use more than the prescribed daily dose of this medication. Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Atacand Plus?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Atacand Plus.