Atacand (generic name: candesartan; brand names inlude: Actinsar / Blopress / Amias / Ratacand / Candesar / Cantar) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB). Results from several controlled studies demonstrated that Atacand had superior efficacy and longer duration of action compared to several other antihypertensive medications.

Indications include:

high blood pressure (hypertension);
chronic heart failure (CHF) in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Atacand has more than 24 hours duration of action, providing effective and reliable blood pressure control throughout and beyond the 24-hour dosing interval.

Atacand blocks the effects of the hormone angiotensin II and causes relaxation of the blood vessels which results in a lowering of the blood pressure.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Atacand exactly as directed.

The usual adult dose is either one 8 mg tablet or one 16 mg tablet each day.

It is best to take your tablet at the same time each day, e.g. in the morning, but it does not matter whether you take it with or without food. If you have severe kidney or severe liver problems, your doctor may prescribe a smaller dose.

It is important to keep taking Atacand every day and as your doctor has told you to. Do not stop taking Atacand unless you have discussed it with your doctor.

If you forget to take Atacand, just carry on with the next dose as normal. Do not take an extra tablet to make up.

Keep the tablets at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Atacand, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have any heart, liver or kidney problems; or suffer from lactose intolerance;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: candesartan cilexetil.