Atacand HCT

Generic Name: Candesartan

  • What is this medication and its most common uses?

    Atacand HCT is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure. Atacand HCT contains two medicines that work in two different ways to reduce your blood pressure: candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide.


    How does this medication work?

    Candesartan works by blocking a chemical in your body that causes blood vessels to narrow. By blocking this chemical, candesartan relaxes and widens your blood vessels, allowing your blood to flow through with less resistance. Hydrochlorothiazide is a water pill and works by eliminating extra fluid and sodium (salt) from your body. Together, they help to lower your blood pressure.


    What: By lowering your blood pressure, Atacand HCT may lower your risk of a stroke or a heart attack.

    When: Atacand HCT may start lowering your blood pressure within 1 to 2 weeks. Though you may not feel an improvement or change in the way you feel, it is very important to keep taking your medicine as prescribed to keep your condition under control.

    How do I know it is working?


  • What are the possible side effects of this medication?



    More common side effects may include: upper respiratory infection, back pain.

    Less common side effects may include:

    Low blood pressure with symptoms such as lightheadedness, especially during the first few days of taking Atacand HCT. Dehydration, excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to an excessive fall in your blood pressure, which can cause lightheadedness and possible fainting.




    Allergic reactions with symptoms such as swelling of your face, lips, throat, or tongue.

  • Who should not take this medication?

    Do not take Atacand HCT if you are allergic to it, any of its ingredients, or other sulfonamide medications (such as sulfamethoxazole).

    Do not take Atacand HCT if you are unable to produce urine.

    If you are diabetic, do not take Atacand HCT in combination with aliskiren.


    Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Atacand HCT. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have diabetes; asthma; lupus (a disease that affects the immune system); gout; high cholesterol levels; kidney, liver, or heart problems; or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

  • What is the usual dosage?


    Adults: The recommended starting dose is 16/12.5 (16 milligram [mg] of candesartan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide) or 32/12.5 (32 milligram [mg] of candesartan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide) once a day. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate dose for you based on your previous blood pressure medication, and may increase your dose as needed, until the desired effect is achieved.

  • How should I take this medication?

    Take Atacand HCT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking Atacand HCT without first talking to your healthcare provider.

    Take Atacand HCT with or without food.

    If you take a cholesterol-lowering medicine called cholestyramine or colestipol, take Atacand HCT at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after you take these medicines.

  • What should I avoid while taking this medication?

    Do not become pregnant while taking this medication.

    Do not become dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking Atacand HCT.



    If Atacand HCT is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your healthcare provider before combining Atacand HCT with the following: alcohol, aliskiren, barbiturates (such as phenobarbital), blood pressure/heart medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (such as enalapril or lisinopril), certain water pills (such as amiloride, spironolactone, or triamterene), cholestyramine, colestipol, diabetes medicines (such as insulin), digoxin, lithium, muscle relaxants (such as tubocurarine), narcotic painkillers (such as hydrocodone or oxycodone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), potassium supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.


    Do not take Atacand HCT if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Atacand HCT can harm your unborn baby. Atacand HCT can be found in your breast milk if you take it while breastfeeding. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.


    If you miss a dose of Atacand HCT, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

  • How should I store this medication?

    Store at room temperature.

Meet the Pharmacists

I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!

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