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Candesartan

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Candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
Keep your regular appointments with your doctor to have your blood pressure measured.

About candesartan

Type of medicine	Angiotensin-II receptor antagonist
Used for	Hypertension (high blood pressure) Heart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced)
Also called	Amias®
Available as	Tablets

Candesartan works by causing blood vessels to relax, which in turn lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, reducing the strain on the heart.

Before taking candesartan

Before taking candesartan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems.
If you suffer from gall bladder problems or a blockage of the bile duct.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take candesartan

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take this medication exactly as you have been directed by your doctor.
Try to take candesartan at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do miss a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due. Do not take two doses together to make up.

Getting the most from your treatment

If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking candesartan.
Keep your regular appointments with your doctor who will monitor your blood pressure and do regular blood tests to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
Alcohol can also affect your blood pressure. It is best to avoid alcohol whilst taking this medicine, but if you do have a drink, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.
Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can candesartan cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Light-headedness, vertigo or dizziness especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position	Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel faint, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer

Important: if you develop any swelling of the mouth or face, speak with your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store candesartan

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Amias®, Takeda UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2006, accessed 3 July 2008.
British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
3366

DocRef:
dils2374

Last Updated:
10 Aug 2008

Date of Next Review:
10 Aug 2010

Version:
22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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