Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 24, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Atacand HCT

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist/Thiazide Combination

Pharmacologic Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist

Chemical Class: Thiazide

Uses for candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide

Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking the action of a substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten. As a result, candesartan relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine, which helps lower the blood pressure.

Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used toget..