Atacand HCT

Atacand HCT is a prescription combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It contains candesartan cilexetil, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. Together, these two ingredients work to relax blood vessels and reduce excess fluid in the body, effectively lowering blood pressure and helping to prevent serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.

This medication is typically prescribed when single-drug therapy hasn’t been effective or has caused side effects. Atacand HCT comes in tablet form and is usually taken once daily with or without food. Most people tolerate it well, but like all medications, it may cause side effects ranging from dizziness and headache to more serious concerns like electrolyte imbalances or kidney issues.

To get the best results, take it exactly as prescribed, follow up regularly with your doctor, and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. Never stop or adjust your dosage without medical advice, and always let your healthcare provider know about any other medications or supplements you’re using.

Atacand HCT is a prescription medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Lowering blood pressure helps reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

What Strengths Does Atacand HCT Come In?

Atacand HCT comes in the form of tablets and is available in the following strengths:

• 16 mg/12.5 mg oral tablets
• 32 mg/12.5 mg oral tablets
• 32 mg/25 mg oral tablets

What Is the Recommended Dosage for Atacand HCT?

Dosage of Atacand HCT for High Blood Pressure

• For Adults:
  • The usual starting dose is 16 mg of candesartan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide once daily.
  • Your doctor may change the dose based on how your body responds to the treatment.
• For Children: This medicine is not typically used in children, and the dosage must be carefully decided by a healthcare provider if prescribed.

[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they'll customize your dosage accordingly.]

Here’s how to take this medicine safely and effectively. Following these instructions can help you get the best results while avoiding unwanted effects.

• This medicine is not meant to be your first treatment option. It is usually given when other medicines haven’t worked well or have caused side effects.
• In addition to taking this medicine, your doctor may suggest making changes like:
  • Watching your weight
  • Eating a healthier diet, especially with less salt (sodium)
  • Your doctor will guide you on which changes are most important for you—don’t change your diet without checking with them first.
• High blood pressure often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. Many people feel normal even when their blood pressure is too high. That’s why it’s important to:
  • Take your medicine exactly as your doctor told you
  • Keep all your medical appointments, even if you’re feeling fine
• This medicine does not cure high blood pressure.
  • It helps manage it, so you need to keep taking it regularly to keep your blood pressure under control.
  • In most cases, you’ll need to take blood pressure medicine for life.
• If high blood pressure is not treated, it can lead to serious health issues such as:
  • Heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Blood vessel damage
  • Kidney problems
• How to take the medicine:
  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • You can take it with or without food.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They'll adjust it as needed over time.]

Atacand HCT combines two medicines that work together to lower high blood pressure in different ways:

• Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It helps relax your blood vessels by blocking a natural substance called angiotensin II, which normally tightens the blood vessels and raises blood pressure. When this hormone is blocked, the vessels stay more relaxed, and blood pressure goes down.
• Hydrochlorothiazide is a type of water pill (diuretic) known as a thiazide. It helps your kidneys remove extra water and salt, especially sodium and potassium, from your body. This reduces the amount of fluid in your blood vessels, which helps lower your blood pressure.

By lowering blood pressure, Atacand HCT may also help lower your risk of serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.

Common Side Effects: These are usually mild and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication:

• Stomach pain: can feel like cramps or discomfort.
• Back pain: mild aches, especially in the lower back.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: particularly when standing up too quickly.
• Drowsiness: feeling unusually sleepy or tired.
• Headache: a common initial response to blood pressure changes.
• Runny or stuffy nose and sore throat: may feel like a mild cold.
• Dry cough: a tickling or persistent cough with no phlegm.

Serious Side Effects: Some side effects can be more serious and need immediate medical attention. These are rare but important to know:

• Allergic reaction symptoms include hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing.
• Muscle problems, including pain, tenderness, or weakness, can be a sign of muscle breakdown.
• Fever and unusual tiredness could signal an infection or inflammation.
• Dark-colored urine may indicate liver or muscle issues.
• Eye pain or vision changes should be reported immediately.
• Very little or no urination may suggest kidney problems.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) can be a sign of liver disease.
• Easy bruising or bleeding could point to blood clotting issues.
• Dehydration signs: increased thirst, urinating more often, leg cramps, constipation, or vomiting.
• Heart rhythm changes like irregular heartbeat, fluttering, or palpitations.
• Numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness might be linked to low potassium levels.
• Loss of coordination, confusion, or feeling unsteady: these neurological symptoms should not be ignored.

[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]

Consider these warnings before you use Atacand HCT:

• Low blood pressure: Atacand HCT can sometimes lower your blood pressure too much. This may make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded, especially if you’re dehydrated, on dialysis, have been vomiting or had diarrhea for a long time, are following a low-salt diet, or have heart failure. Before you begin treatment, your healthcare team will check your fluid and salt levels. Make sure to stay well-hydrated unless your doctor says otherwise. If you feel faint or dizzy when standing up, sit down slowly and hold onto something. If your blood pressure drops too low or you fall, seek medical attention right away.
• Changes in electrolyte, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels: Atacand HCT can affect important elements in your body such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium levels. It may also raise your blood sugar and cholesterol. This is more likely if you’re taking other medicines that affect these levels. Your doctor may ask for regular blood tests to make sure these values stay in a safe range. Let your doctor know if you feel weak, unusually tired, have an irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, nausea, or reduced urination—these could be signs of an imbalance in your body’s electrolytes.
• Worsening of kidney problems: Although candesartan (part of Atacand HCT) is often used to help protect the kidneys, in some cases it can make kidney problems worse. This is more likely if you have severe heart failure, certain kidney conditions like renal artery stenosis, or if you are dehydrated. If you notice any changes in how often or how much you urinate, let your doctor know, as this could be a sign of kidney issues.
• Allergic reaction: Some people may experience allergic reactions to Atacand HCT, especially if they have a history of allergies, asthma, or a sulfa allergy. Although rare, allergic symptoms can include rashes, itchiness, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help right away.
• Not for use during pregnancy: You should not take Atacand HCT if you are pregnant. The candesartan in this medication can seriously harm your unborn baby and, in some cases, may even be life-threatening. If you find out you’re pregnant while taking Atacand HCT, stop the medication immediately and let your doctor know. If you’re already pregnant or planning to become pregnant, speak with your doctor about safer alternatives to control your blood pressure during this time.
• Lupus: Hydrochlorothiazide can sometimes trigger or worsen a condition called lupus, especially in people who’ve had it before. If you begin to feel extremely tired, develop joint pain, or notice a rash across your nose and cheeks, tell your doctor. These may be signs of lupus flare-up related to the medication.
• Vision problems: In very rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide (one of the ingredients in Atacand HCT) can cause sudden vision changes or eye pain shortly after starting the medicine. People who are allergic to sulfa drugs or penicillin may be at higher risk. If this happens, stop using the medication and inform your doctor immediately. Ignoring these symptoms may lead to permanent vision loss.

Here's what you need to keep in mind during your course of therapy.

• Stay hydrated but follow your doctor’s advice: This medicine can lower your blood pressure, especially if your body doesn't have enough fluids. Drink plenty of water, unless your doctor has advised you to limit fluids. If you're sweating a lot, have diarrhea, or are vomiting, let your doctor know.
• Avoid alcohol or limit it: Drinking alcohol can make your blood pressure drop even more and increase the risk of side effects like dizziness or fainting. It’s best to avoid alcohol or talk to your doctor about how much is safe for you.
• Don’t use potassium supplements unless told by your doctor: Atacand HCT can affect your potassium levels. Taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium without medical advice can cause problems. Your doctor will check your potassium levels with blood tests.
• Get up slowly from sitting or lying down: This medicine can cause lightheadedness, especially when you stand up quickly. Try to rise slowly and hold onto something if needed to avoid falling.
• Let all healthcare providers know you’re taking this medicine: This includes your dentist or any other specialist. Atacand HCT may affect other treatments or interact with anesthesia or other medications.
• Be careful in hot weather or during exercise: This medicine can make it harder for your body to stay cool. Avoid becoming overheated, drink water regularly, and take breaks if you're physically active or outside in the heat.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney, liver, or heart problems: Atacand HCT can affect these organs, so your doctor may need to monitor you more closely if you have a history of such conditions.
• Avoid taking this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding: This medication can harm an unborn baby. If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, let your doctor know right away.

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one.
• Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose.
• If you’re unsure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

Taking more than the recommended amount of this medicine can be harmful. Here’s what to do if it happens:

• Get medical help right away if you’ve taken too much.
• You can also call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 for quick assistance.

[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

• Keep it at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• It can handle slightly warmer or cooler temperatures between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for short periods, such as during travel.
• Store the medicine in a cool, dry place away from heat, sunlight, and moisture.
• Always keep it in a tightly closed container and out of reach of children.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

It’s very important to let your doctor or pharmacist know about all the medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are using before starting Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). This helps prevent harmful interactions and ensures your treatment is safe and effective. Be sure to mention if you are using any of the following:

• Diuretics (water pills): Used for reducing swelling and lowering blood pressure.
• Aliskiren (Tekturna): A medicine used to treat high blood pressure.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Such as ibuprofen or naproxen, often used for pain, fever, or inflammation.
• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes with potassium: These can raise your potassium levels too much when combined with this medication.
• ACE inhibitors: Medicines used for high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney problems.
• Lithium: A medication used for certain mental health conditions, which can become toxic when taken with Atacand HCT.
• Barbiturates: Such as phenobarbital or butalbital, used for sleep problems, seizures, or migraines.
• ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers): Similar to candesartan, used for treating heart and blood pressure conditions.
• Opioids: Such as morphine, codeine, or fentanyl, used for pain relief.
• Corticosteroids: Such as prednisone or dexamethasone, used to treat inflammation and immune-related conditions.
• Cholestyramine or colestipol: Medicines used to lower cholesterol.
• Digoxin (Lanoxin): Used for heart rhythm problems and certain types of heart failure.
• Cyclophosphamide: A medicine used to treat some cancers.
• Cyclosporine: A medication that lowers the immune system response, often used after organ transplants.
• Diabetes medications: Always inform your doctor if you are taking any drugs for managing blood sugar.
• Methotrexate: Often used for rheumatoid arthritis or cancer treatment.
• Muscle relaxants: Any medicine that relaxes the muscles.
• Any medication for high blood pressure: Including other types not listed above.

What Are the Other Atacand HCT Interactions?

• Alcohol: May increase the risk of dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting, especially when standing up. It can also worsen dehydration and lower blood pressure too much.
• Caffeine: Excessive caffeine can reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications and may increase heart rate or blood pressure.
• Grapefruit or Grapefruit Juice: Not a major concern for Atacand HCT specifically, but should still be consumed in moderation unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• High-Sodium Foods: Can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effects of the drug. A low-sodium diet is generally recommended.
• High-Potassium Foods (such as bananas, oranges, spinach): Should be consumed cautiously, as candesartan may increase potassium levels.
• Salt Substitutes (potassium-based): These may raise potassium to unsafe levels, so they should be avoided unless approved by your doctor.
• Herbal Supplements (such as licorice, ginseng, hawthorn): Some herbs can raise blood pressure or interfere with heart and kidney function.
• Vitamins and Supplements:
  • Vitamin D: May increase calcium levels when taken with hydrochlorothiazide.
  • Calcium supplements: Can interact with diuretics and raise calcium levels in the blood.
• Dehydration Supplements (such as magnesium or electrolyte powders): May increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances.
• Lab Tests (such as potassium, sodium, kidney function, blood glucose, cholesterol): Atacand HCT may affect these test results. Always inform your lab technician or doctor.
• Vaccines: Generally safe, but if your immune system is suppressed due to very low blood pressure or other conditions, consult your doctor before live vaccines.

[Note: This isn't a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Atacand HCT. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]

Atacand HCT, a combination of candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide, is commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure by helping relax blood vessels and reduce fluid retention. However, several other antihypertensive combination medications offer similar therapeutic effects and may be considered as alternatives based on individual patient needs, tolerability, and physician recommendations. Below are some alternative medications that combine an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) with a diuretic. Alternative drugs include:

• Diovan HCT (valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide)
• Micardis HCT (telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide)
• Benicar HCT (olmesartan medoxomil/hydrochlorothiazide)
• Teveten HCT (eprosartan mesylate/hydrochlorothiazide)
• Avapro HCT (irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide)
• Edarbyclor (azilsartan medoxomil/chlorthalidone)

[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

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