Atacand HCT

Atacand HCT contains candesartan cilexetil (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic, or water pill). Candesartan relaxes your blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily. HCTZ helps control the volume of blood in your body. They can be used together because they work in different ways.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Atacand HCT. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Atacand HCT:

-Your doctor may require you to be on a stable dose of candesartan and HCTZ in separate dosage forms before starting Atacand HCT.

-Take your Atacand HCT tablet at the same time each day with or without food. It should be taken consistently with regard to food.

-You may need to adjust the dose of medication you are taking until your blood pressure readings are appropriate, as per your doctor’s instructions.

Some mild and common side effects of Atacand HCT seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

-Low blood pressure (hypotension). This could cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded and may be indicative of too high a dose of Atacand HCT.

-Headaches.

-Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.

-Fatigue.

-Peripheral edema (ie swelling of the ankles).

-Joint pain, muscle pain, or back pain.

-Signs of the common cold.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Atacand HCT. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

-Angioedema (swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips). This can make it difficult to breathe and may be life-threatening. If you experience angioedema, seek immediate medical attention and do not try taking Atacand HCT again.

-Difficulty breathing. This could be acute respiratory toxicity caused by Atacand HCT.

-Dry mouth, excessive thirst, lethargy, drowsiness, muscle cramps or spasms. These could indicate electrolyte imbalances. Hydrochlorothiazide and other diuretics can cause hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hyponatremia, and hypomagnesemia. These can exacerbate arrhythmias and become life-threatening.

-Sudden vision changes, vision loss, or eye pain.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Atacand HCT. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Atacand HCT, due to the HCTZ component, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. It can also increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Make sure you wear broad spectrum sunscreen.

Before starting Atacand HCT, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

-Liver disease or kidney problems.

-Hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels), or gout. HCTZ can further increase uric acid levels and precipitate gout attacks.

-Had heart problems, including a history of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), heart failure or a heart attack.

-Eye conditions like glaucoma.

-Asthma, other respiratory conditions, or if you have previously experienced breathing problems after taking HCTZ or another thiazide diuretic.

-Systemic lupus erythematosus

-Had an allergic reaction to penicillin or to other medications used to treat hypertension.

-Diabetes. Atacand HCT can increase the risk of high or low blood sugar.

Boxed Warning

Candesartan and other ARBs may cause death of a fetus and are contraindicated in pregnancy.

Atacand HCT should not be used in:

-People who have had allergic reactions to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, other sulfonamide-derived (sulfa) -medications, or any inactive ingredient of the formulation.

-People who have severe liver disease or kidney disease.

-People who have gout.

-Have galactose intolerance, lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption (lactose is an inactive ingredient of the Atacand HCT formulation).

-Children less than 1 year of age.

-Pregnant or breastfeeding people.

The maximal blood pressure lowering effects of Atacand HCT can be seen 2-4 weeks after starting a new dose of the medication.

When Atacand HCT is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

-ACE inhibitors

-Other blood-pressure-lowering drugs, including diuretics (water pills)

-Aliskiren-containing medications

-Amantadine

-Amphotericin B

-Medications used to treat cancer, like cyclophosphamide and methotrexate

-Antidepressants, like citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline

-Medications used to lower cholesterol, like cholestyramine or colestipol

-Medications that may increase potassium levels (ie spironolactone, NSAIDs, septra)

-Vitamins and supplements containing Calcium

-Lithium

-Digoxin

-Gout medications like allopurinol

-Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen

Atacand HCT is available as 16 mg / 12.5 mg, 32 mg / 12.5 mg, and 32 mg / 25 mg candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets.

Atacand HCT tablets can be stored at room temperature, in the original packaging.

Atacand HCT is manufactured by Xdition Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Yes, the brand-name Atacand Plus is available as a generic dosage form

Atacand HCT is typically used for long-term control of hypertension. Use Atacand HCT as directed by your doctor.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) like candesartan can cause harm to the fetus and are contraindicated in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

HCTZ is secreted into breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.