Candesartan

What candesartan is for

Candesartan is a type of medicine called an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).

It helps manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure (where the heart cannot pump blood around the body properly).

Sometimes a doctor may prescribe candesartan to help prevent migraine headaches, although it’s not approved for this.

How to take candesartan

Candesartan usually comes as tablet you swallow with water. It’s usually taken once a day.

Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after around 2 to 4 weeks. This is to reduce the chance of side effects and find the right dose to manage your condition.

When taking candesartan:

• try to take it at the same time each day
• swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water, or you may be able to break them in half if you need to
• do not chew the tablets

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

Your doctor will arrange for you to have blood tests and blood pressure checks while you’re taking candesartan, to check how it’s affecting your blood pressure, kidneys and liver.

If you miss a dose of candesartan

If you forget to take a dose of candesartan, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much candesartan

Taking an extra dose of candesartan may be dangerous.

How to stop taking candesartan

You may need to take candesartan for many weeks, months or years to manage your condition.

Do not stop taking candesartan without talking to your doctor, because your condition may get worse without this medicine.

If your doctor thinks you should stop taking candesartan, they’ll help you reduce your dose gradually.

Side effects of candesartan

Like all medicines, candesartan can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of candesartan include:

• headaches
• getting infections more often, such as chest infections
• your hands and feet tingling
• low blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy and tired

Children taking candesartan can also get side effects such as:

• a sore throat
• a runny nose
• high temperature (fever)
• an increased heart rate

Candesartan will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. But if you feel dizzy after taking it, wait until you no longer have these side effects.

Serious side effects

Candesartan can sometimes cause serious side effects, but they are rare.

Possible serious side effects of candesartan include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• changes in your blood cells – causing symptoms such as tiredness, getting infections easily or a high temperature
• inflammation of your liver (hepatitis), which may cause symptoms such as tiredness and the white part of your eyes turning yellow
• a problem with your kidneys – causing symptoms such as losing weight without trying to, swollen ankles, feet or hands and peeing more often

Who can and cannot take candesartan

Most adults and children aged 6 years and older can take candesartan.

But candesartan is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you’ve had an allergic reaction to candesartan or another angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) before
• you have a condition affecting your kidneys or liver
• you have diabetes

Before taking candesartan, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and candesartan

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding, as there's a risk your baby could have side effects if you breastfeed while taking candesartan.

A doctor may advise you to keep taking candesartan if the benefits outweigh the risks, or recommend you try a different type of medicine to manage high blood pressure while you’re breastfeeding.

If you’re taking candesartan while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and candesartan

Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Candesartan is not used in pregnancy because it can affect how your baby develops in the womb and cause them to be born early (premature).

Your doctor can recommend a different medicine to help manage high blood pressure that is safer to take during pregnancy.

Find out more about taking angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking candesartan with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with candesartan.

This includes:

• some other medicines for high blood pressure and heart problems, including aliskerin, beta blocker medicines and ACE inhibitor medicines like lisinopril
• some medicines that help to remove excess fluid in your body through your pee (diuretics), such as spironolactone
• supplements and salt substitutes (used to flavour food) containing potassium
• lithium (used to treat some mental health problems)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and etoricoxib
• heparin (used to help prevent blood clots)

This is not the full list of medicines that may not mix well with candesartan. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you’re taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with candesartan

You can eat as normal while taking candesartan, but it's best to avoid alcohol because it can increase the risk of side effects like low blood pressure.