Atacand (Candesartan) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Atacand is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and children who are at least 1 year old. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications. Atacand can also be used in adults with certain types of heart failure to reduce serious complications or death due to heart damage. Atacand works due to its inhibition of angiotensin. Angiotensin is a chemical that attaches to smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels, which causes the muscle cells to contract and the blood vessels to narrow. Atacand blocks the angiotensin receptors and preventing the actions of angiotensin. As a result, the blood vessels no longer constrict, and blood pressure is reduced.
Manufacturer Information
Atacand is manufactured by AstraZeneca in Canada, New Zealand and Turkey. It is available in dosages of 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg and 32 mg tablets. The generic alternative, Candesartan, is available in dosages of 4 mg, 8 mg, and 32 mg from Canada and United Kingdom by different manufacturers.
Common side effects of Atacand include headache, back pain, dizziness, or common cold symptoms. Contact your doctor if you notice more serious side effects such as light-headedness, fast or slow heartbeats, unusual muscle pain or weakness, signs of high potassium levels (nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement), or signs of kidney problems (little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath). This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Common side effects of Atacand include headache, back pain, dizziness, or common cold symptoms. Contact your doctor if you notice more serious side effects such as light-headedness, fast or slow heartbeats, unusual muscle pain or weakness, signs of high potassium levels (nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement), or signs of kidney problems (little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath). This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
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