Product Name

• Atacand 16 Mg, Reduce Blood Pressure, Prevent Hypertension Complication - 28 Tablets

Scientific Name

• Candesartan 16 Mg Tablets

Category Of Atacand 16 Mg Tablets

• Anti-Hypertensive Drugs

Mechanism Of Action Of Candesartan

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

Therapeutic Indications Of Atacand 16 Mg Tablets

• Treating high blood pressure (hypertension) in adult patients. High blood pressure is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.
• Treating adult heart failure patients with reduced heart muscle function, in addition to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or when ACE inhibitors cannot be used (ACE inhibitors are a group of medicines used to treat heart failure).

Method Of Administration Of Atacand 16 Mg Tablets

• Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
• The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
• You should try to take your daily dose at about the same time each day.
• You must continue to take the drug until your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Do not break the tablet in half
• You can take the tablet with or without food.
• High blood pressure:

1. The usual dose of the tablets is 8 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase this dose to 16 mg once a day and further up to 32 mg once a day depending on blood pressure response.
2. In some patients, such as those with liver problems, kidney problems, or those who recently have lost body fluids, e.g. through vomiting or diarrhea or by using water tablets, the doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose.
3. Some black patients may have a reduced response to this type of drug, when given as the only treatment, and these patients may need a higher dose.

• Heart failure:

1. The usual starting dose of The tablets is 4 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose by doubling the dose at intervals of at least 2 weeks up to 32 mg once a day.
2. The tablets can be taken together with other medicines for heart failure, and your doctor will decide which treatment is suitable for you.

• Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions.
• If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away.
• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose.
• Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose.

Undesirable Side Effects Of Atacand 16 Mg Tablets

• Common (affects 1 to 10 users in 100):

1. Feeling dizzy/spinning sensation.
2. Headache.
3. Respiratory infection.
4. Low blood pressure. This may make you feel faint or dizzy.
5. Changes in blood test results: An increased amount of potassium in your blood, especially if you already have kidney problems or heart failure. If this is severe you may notice tiredness, weakness, irregular heartbeat, or pins and needles.
6. Effects on how your kidneys work, especially if you already have kidney problems or heart failure. In very rare cases, kidney failure may occur.

• Very rare (affects less than 1 user in 10,000):
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat.

1. A reduction in your red or white blood cells. You may notice tiredness, an infection, or a fever.
2. Skin rash, lumpy rash (hives).
3. Itching.
4. Back pain, pain in joints and muscles.
5. Changes in how your liver is working, including inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
6. You may notice tiredness, yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes, and flu-like symptoms.
7. Nausea.
8. Changes in blood test results: A reduced amount of sodium in your blood. If this is severe then you may notice weakness, lack of energy, or muscle cramps.
9. Cough

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Precautions While Taking Atacand 16 Mg Tablets

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments & Advice To Reduce Blood Pressure

• To measure blood pressure correctly:

1. Don’t eat or drink anything 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure.
2. Empty your bladder before your reading.
3. Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading.
4. Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed.
5. Rest your arm with the cuff on a table at chest height.
6. Make sure the blood pressure cuff is snug but not too tight. The cuff should be against your bare skin, not over clothing.
7. Do not talk while your blood pressure is being measured.

• You will also find the following Non-Pharmacological treatments effective in blood pressure reduction:

1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline
2. Exercise regularly
3. Eat a healthy diet
4. Reduce sodium in your diet
5. Quit smoking
6. Reduce caffeine
7. Reduce your stress
8. Monitor your blood pressure at home using for example Beurer, Blood Pressure Monitor or Omron Blood Pressure Measuring Device
9. See your doctor regularly

Warnings & Special Precautions while Taking Atacand 16 Mg Tablets

• Stop taking the tablets and seek medical help immediately if you have any of the following allergic reactions:

1. difficulties in breathing, with or without swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat
2. swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat, which may cause difficulties in swallowing
3. severe itching of the skin (with raised lumps)

• Before you take, or whilst you are taking the tablets, tell your doctor:

1. If you have heart, liver, or kidney problems, or are on dialysis.
2. If you have recently had a kidney transplant.
3. If you are vomiting, have recently had severe vomiting, or have diarrhea.
4. If you have a disease of the adrenal gland called Conn’s syndrome (also called primary hyperaldosteronism).
5. If you have low blood pressure.
6. If you have ever had a stroke.
7. You must tell your doctor if you think you are (or might become) pregnant. It is not recommended in early pregnancy, and must not be taken if you are more than 3 months pregnant, as it may cause serious harm to your baby if used at that stage.

• Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, or have recently used, any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. In particular, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
• Other medicines to help lower your blood pressure, include beta-blockers, diazoxide, and ACE inhibitors such as enalapril, captopril, lisinopril, or ramipril.

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, celecoxib, or etoricoxib (medicines to relieve pain and inflammation).
2. Acetylsalicylic acid (if you are taking more than 3 g each day) (medicine to relieve pain and inflammation).
3. Potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium (medicines that increase the amount of potassium in your blood).
4. Heparin (a medicine for thinning the blood).
5. Water tablets (diuretics).
6. Lithium (a medicine for mental health problems).

Storage Conditions Of Atacand 16 Mg Tablets

• Store below 25°c
• Don’t refrigerate
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.

Normal Ranges

• Normal: Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated: is when readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic.
• Hypertension Stage 1: is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130-139 systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic.
• Hypertension Stage 2: is when blood pressure consistently ranges at 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
• Hypertensive crisis: This stage of high blood pressure requires medical attention. If your blood pressure readings suddenly exceed 180/120 mm Hg, wait five minutes and then test your blood pressure again. If your readings are still unusually high, contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

For More Information About Candesartan

• Ask your physician or pharmacist
• Visit SFDA website
• Visit Medscape at Information About Candesartan
• Visit Drugbank at Information About Candesartan
• Visit Drugs.com at Information About Candesartan