by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: October 27, 2010

Atacand is an Angiotensin receptor blocker. Its generic name is Candesartan Cilexetil. It is prescribed by doctors for Hypertension, kidney damage caused by diabetes and heart failure.

FDA warning on Angiotensin receptor blockers

Angiotensin receptor blockers such as Atacand are examined by the FDA for increased cancer risk. However, currently no conclusive data is available. But you can check the latest info on their website.

How Atacand works?

Atacand acts by blocking angiotensin receptors. Angiotensin is considered one of the most potent natural hypertensive agents. Blocking angiotensin receptors causes significant reduction in blood pressure. However unlike ACE inhibitors, this drug do not inhibit Bradikinin metabolism, so incidence of dry cough is less.

What are the common side effects?

 Some patients can get dizzy and can have marked low blood pressure. In addition, faintness is common after the first dose.  So patients are advised to stay in the home at least in the first day. Additionally lack of energy and strength, vertigo and easy fatigability are common side effects. Gastro intestinal disturbances like nausea and vomiting are also common. In addition some patients may get diarrhea.

What are the less common side effects?

Less common side effects are dizziness, headache, nasal congestion, muscle pains, sore throat and runny nose.

 What are the dangerous side effects?

Rarely patients can get an allergic reaction to this medication. These include rashes, hives and itchiness. Sometimes it can lead to an anaphylactic shock. This is characterized by wide spread hives, low blood pressure, shortness of breath and pallor. Patient should seek immediate medical help if he/she gets this problem.

What the doctor should know before prescribing?

Before starting this medication, the doctor should know your complete medical history, including over the counter medication you are on.  Combining this medication with NSAIDs such as Advil, Naprosyn and Motrin can have problems.

In addition this drug is known to cause problems if you have,

* Bilateral renal artery stenosis

* Liver diseases

* Aortic or mitral valve problems

* Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

* Diabetes

The doctor may check your potassium levels in the blood before starting Atacand, because serum potassium levels can go up with this medication.

Do not take potassium containing salt supplements with this medication. It can cause troublesome electrolyte imbalance.

 If you are pregnant or nursing, doctor will not start Atacand. Taking Atacand in pregnancy can harm the unborn baby. This drug is present in breast milk in significant amounts, so it should not be used in breast feeding as well. In addition inform your doctor if you got pregnant while on Atacand.

Summary

Atacand is an antihypertensive medication. It can cause serious reduction in your blood pressure which can result in faintness. In addition it can harm your unborn child, if you take it during pregnancy. In addition never take over the counter painkillers without consulting your doctor.

 Sources

AHFS Drug information

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