Candesartan is a treatment for high blood pressure and heart failure. It helps to reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke in the future.
Candesartan works by relaxing the blood vessels, lowering the blood pressure to make it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
Candesartan should start to work in the first two hours after taking it but it can take several weeks for it to make a difference. For heart failure, it usually takes longer and you can expect to see an improvement after a couple of months.
If you have high blood pressure, not taking a suitable medication such as Candesartan leaves you at risk of suffering from a stroke or heart attack. You may also risk heart failure getting worse.
Candesartan cilexeti is the active ingredient within the medicine.
In addition, the inactive ingredients are lactose monohydrate, maize starch, hydroxypropylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate and triethyl citrate.
Please Note: Inactive ingredients could vary between different brands of generic Candesartan.
Candesartan is taken once a day, at a specified time each day. The tablet should be taken whole and swallowed with a glass of water and does not need to be taken with food.
For high blood pressure, the starting dose is 8mg, which could be increased up to 32mg. You’ll always start with the lowest possible dose until your doctor can monitor how effective the medicine is. For heart failure, you’ll likely start with a 4mg dose which can also be increased if necessary.
If your blood pressure medication is proving ineffective, or causing you to have side effects, then your doctor may switch you to a different type of medication. It’s common for Candesartan to be prescribed as a second option if you have experienced a dry cough with your first type of medication. If you are switching your high blood pressure medication, always consult your doctor and follow their guidance on how and what to take.
The common side effects will usually only last a couple of weeks. These are:
There are serious side effects which may occur in rare cases. If these happen to you then seek immediate medical attention:
Candesartan may not be suitable for everyone. Anyone who falls into the below categories may be at risk and should discuss their circumstances with their doctor before taking the medication:
It’s a good idea to disclose any other medicines that you are taking, or plan to take, before beginning a new prescription. This includes any herbal medicines or remedies. The following medicines could interact with Candesartan:
Taking Candesartan may make you feel dizzy. If this happens, sit or lie down until it passes and avoid driving until you feel stable. If you feel sick or nauseous, taking your medication with food may help to settle your stomach, and drink plenty of water if you are experiencing headaches.
Candesartan won’t interfere with your hormonal contraception. However, if you have high blood pressure then the combined contraceptive pill is likely to be unsuitable for you as you will be at risk of experiencing a blood clot. Alert your doctor if this applies to you and they will be able to suggest a more suitable method of contraception.
Your fertility won’t be affected by Candesartan but it should not be taken if you are pregnant so you should let your doctor know if you are planning to start a family so they can prescribe you with the appropriate medication.
Lifestyle factors such as your diet, how active you are and how much you smoke or drink alcohol all have an impact on your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high you should be reducing your salt intake, eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, cutting down on fatty foods and avoiding tobacco smoke. These changes will also help to reduce your blood pressure.
There are several different types of angiotensin receptor blockers. They work in similar ways but some are broken down inside the body in different ways. Which type of ARB you’ll be prescribed will depend on your condition, the severity of your symptoms and other factors such as your age.
There are other types of medicine used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure. ACE Inhibitors work in a similar way to angiotensin receptor blockers like Candesartan. Both are better suited to people under the age of 55 who don’t have African-Caribbean roots. A calcium blocker or thiazide diuretic are the other two medication options which will usually be prescribed to these groups in the first instance.
There are steps you can take towards a healthier lifestyle which will positively impact your blood pressure. These include eating a healthy, low salt and low fat diet, maintaining a healthy weight, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol and exercising regularly.
Candesartan treats high blood pressure and heart failure but there is no evidence to suggest it can be helpful in treating a mental health condition like anxiety.
Candesartan is a type of medicine called an angiotensin receptor blocker which is different from a beta blocker.
There are studies which have found that Candesartan may increase your protection against developing Alzheimer’s disease. This isn’t a definite link but it is a potential benefit of taking Candesartan.
Candesartan does not have an affect on your sex life.
You will need to stop taking Candesartan 24 hours before having surgery. You should always inform your doctor that you are taking Candesartan if you are scheduled for a procedure so that they can advise you correctly on what you can and cannot take.
Candesartan can be taken to prevent migraines and may be effective for migraine sufferers who have tried propranolol but it hasn’t been successful or are unable to take beta blockers.
If you stop taking Candesartan then your blood pressure might rise again. Always take it as prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better.
Yes, Candesartan is designed for long term use and is more effective when taken over a long period of time.
It is likely that you will need to take Candesartan long term in order to regulate your blood pressure. This ensures that your blood pressure stays at a reasonable level and protects you from suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Prices from:
Quick and discreet
Straightforward & efficient service. Easy to use & gives me peace of mind. Would thoroughly recommend. Thank you.
Tony