Candesartan

What is Candesartan?

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. 

How does Candesartan work?

Candesartan works by relaxing the blood vessels, lowering the blood pressure to make it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

How long does it take for Candesartan to work?

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.

What are the risks of not taking Candesartan?

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.

Active ingredients

Candesartan cilexeti is the active ingredient within the medicine.

Inactive ingredients

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.

How to take 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. 

Candesartan dosage

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. 

Switching high blood pressure medication

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.  

Candesartan side effects

The common side effects will usually only last a couple of weeks. These are:

• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Muscle or joint pain 

There are serious side effects which may occur in rare cases. If these happen to you then seek immediate medical attention: 

• Liver problems which manifest as Jaundiced skin or eyes
• Blood or bone marrow disorder which is characterised by: tiredness, pale skin, feeling faint and dizzy, fever, purple spots or bleeding
• Trouble breathing, a tight chest, wheezing, a rash and swelling around the face are signs of an allergic reaction. This should be treated as a medical emergency  

Contraindications

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: 

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Diabetics
• Anyone with an allergy to Candesartan or any other medicines
• If you have recently experienced vomiting and diarrhoea 
• If you’ve had a kidney transplant 
• People on a low salt diet
• Anyone with liver or gallbladder problems 
• Low blood pressure  

Drug interactions

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: 

• Additional medication to treat high blood pressure
• Certain types of painkillers 
• Aspirin in doses higher than 3mg per day 
• Potassium supplements 
• Heparin
• Diuretics 
• Spironolactone
• Lithium   

How to cope with Candesartan side effects

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. 

Will Candesartan affect my contraception?

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.

Will Candesartan affect my fertility?

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 changes to make when taking Candesartan

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.

Candesartan vs other angiotensin receptor blockers

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.   

Alternatives to Candesartan

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.

Natural treatments for high blood pressure

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.   

Can Candesartan help anxiety?

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.

Is Candesartan a beta blocker?

Candesartan is a type of medicine called an angiotensin receptor blocker which is different from a beta blocker. 

Will Candesartan protect me from Alzheimer’s disease?

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. 

Will Candesartan change my sex life?

Candesartan does not have an affect on your sex life.

Can I take Candesartan before surgery?

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.

Can I take Candesartan for migraines?

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. 

Can I stop taking Candesartan after my blood pressure is reduced?

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. 

Is long term use of Candesartan safe?

Yes, Candesartan is designed for long term use and is more effective when taken over a long period of time.

Do I need to take Candesartan forever?

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.

Sources

• NHS > Candesartan
• NHS > High Blood Pressure Treatment
• Migraine > Candesartan Preventives
• Neuro-Central > Candesartan in Alzheimers Treatment
• MedicineNet > Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers 
• BloodPressureUK > Choosing Medicines