Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: CANDESARTAN (kan-de-SAR-tan) and HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)
This medicine is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist and thiazide diuretic combination used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are not producing any urine or taking dofetilide or ketanserin. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking clozapine, diazoxide, digitoxin, digoxin, indomethacin, lithium, diuretics, azathioprine, potassium, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), or medicine for diabetes. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including gout, diabetes, liver disease, lupus, kidney problems, kidney artery narrowing, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE an increase in urine or in frequency of urination. If you are taking 1 dose of this medicine daily, take it in the morning after breakfast to prevent this increase from affecting sleep. If you are taking more than 1 dose daily, take the last dose no later than 6 pm. If you take colestipol or cholestyramine for high cholesterol, take this medicine 1 hour before or 4 hours after because of decreased absorption into the bloodstream. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without discussing it with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. DO NOT USE A SALT SUBSTITUTE without checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor. FOR WOMEN: USE OF THIS MEDICINE DURING PREGNANCY has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or lightheadedness, or fainting especially when sitting up or standing. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience dry mouth, thirst, weakness, fatigue, unusual tiredness, drowsiness, restlessness, confusion, seizures, fast heartbeat, nausea, or vomiting. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience the following side effects or symptoms of toxicity: rash; itching; swelling of face, lips, eyes, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; change in amount of urine; irregular heartbeat; or muscle pain, tenderness, or cramping. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and fast or slow heartbeat.
Your blood pressure should be lower within 2 weeks. It may take 4 weeks for this medicine to produce its maximum effect. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.