Atacand HCT Medicine - Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Atacand HCT is a combination medication used in the treatment of high blood pressure. Atacand HCT consists of two active ingredients: an angiotensin II receptor antagonist and a diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. It works by inhibiting the effects of angiotensin II, which is an agent that causes vasoconstriction and high blood pressure.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Oral

Tablets (U.S.)

Atacand HCT Dosage

The recommended starting Atacand HCT dosage for most people with high blood pressure is Atacand HCT 16 mg/12.5 mg once a day. It may take several weeks to see the full effects of this drug on lowering blood pressure, at which point your healthcare provider may choose to increase or decrease your dose of Atacand HCT.

Uses of Atacand HCT

ATACAND is used for the treatment of Class II, III, or IV heart failure when they have symptoms of heart failure or reduced heart pump function. ATACAND HCT is indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

Side Effects of Atacand HCT

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Therapy with any combination of candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide will be associated with both sets of dose-independent side effects.

ATACAND HCT may make the blood pressure too low, especially during the first days of use. Symptoms of abnormally low blood pressure, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint, or weakness, which can be severe, may occur if you take ATACAND HCT and are dehydrated or are salt depleted.

Warnings and precautions before taking Atacand HCT:

This drug can cause serious harm (possibly death) to an unborn baby if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

This may make you feel light-headed or faint, especially during the first days of therapy. If these symptoms occur, contact your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted. If you actually faint, stop taking this medication until you have talked to your doctor.

Drug Interaction :-

This eMedTV Web page explains that taking Atacand HCT along with other drugs (such as insulin) can cause the body to metabolize the medications differently than intended.

Common drug interactions are-

Aminolevulinic acid topical

Amiodarone

Amphotericins

Angiotensin II receptor blockers

Apomorphine

aspirin/caffeine/CNS depressant combos

aspirin/caffeine/orphenadrine

Beta 2 agonists, all

Beta blocker/thiazide combos

Bile acid binding resins

Bismuth subsalicylate

Overdose

An Atacand HCT overdose can result in symptoms such as extremely low blood pressure and dizziness. As this eMedTV page explains, in its early stages, an Atacand HCT overdose can be treated by pumping the stomach or administering certain medications.

Alien writes for prescription drugs. He also writes for cymbalta side effects and stress symptoms .