Candesartan cilexetil (By mouth)

Introduction

Candesartan Cilexetil (kan-de-SAR-tan sye-LEK-se-til)

Treats high blood pressure and heart failure.

Brand Name(s)

Atacand

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to candesartan, or if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.
• Your doctor may prescribe more than one medicine to treat your condition. Take all other medicines your doctor has prescribed as part of your combination treatment.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using lithium. Tell your doctor if you use a diuretic ("water pill") such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, Aldactone®, Demadex®, Lasix®, Lozol®, Maxzide®, or Zaroxolyn®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast feeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or congestive heart failure.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect).
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain
• Cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat.
• Headache.
• Mild skin rash or itching.