candesartan Health Article

How should I take candesartan?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

You may take candesartan with or without food.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

It may take 2 to 4 weeks of using this medicine before your blood pressure is under control. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using candesartan. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. Store candesartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while taking candesartan?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of candesartan. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking candesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

What are the possible side effects of candesartan?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;

• chest pain;

• swelling in your hands or feet; or

• slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;

• back pain;

• muscle or joint pain;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;

• headache, dizziness; or

• tired feeling.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect candesartan?

Before taking candesartan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• a diuretic (water pill); or

• lithium (Eskalith, LithoBid, Lithonate).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with candesartan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about candesartan.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.