Candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)

Introduction:

Candesartan Cilexetil (kan-de-SAR-tan sye-LEX-e-til), Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of an antihypertensive (blood pressure medicine) and a diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

Atacand HCT

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, hydrochlorothiazide, or to sulfa drugs. You should not receive this medicine if you are pregnant or are unable to urinate.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take 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.
  • Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take 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 at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children

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, digoxin (Lanoxin®), colestipol (Colestid®), cholestyramine (Questran®), a potassium supplement, a corticosteroid (such as cortisone or prednisone), pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, Relafen®, Advil®, Aleve®, Motrin®, Orudis®), a salt substitute, or other blood pressure medicine.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

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 breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, allergies, asthma, lupus, diabetes, 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.
  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

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 face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, problems urinating, nausea or vomiting
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Swelling of feet or lower legs
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness

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

  • Stuffy nose
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