Generic Atacand contains the medicine candesartan cilexetil and is one of a type of medicines for high blood pressure (hypertension).

Generic Atacand lowers elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure levels can cause you to have a stroke, get heart failure, or damage your kidneys. Generic Atacand helps prevent these things from happening.

Generic Atacand may be prescribed alone or with other blood pressure medications.

Angiotensin II normally acts on special receptors in the body, with two main results. Firstly, it causes the peripheral blood vessels to narrow, and secondly, it stimulates the production of another hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone causes salt and water to be retained by the kidneys, which increases the volume of fluid in the blood vessels.

Generic Atacand blocks the receptors that angiotensin II acts on, and so prevents its actions. The main result of this is that the peripheral blood vessels are allowed to widen, which means that there is more space and less resistance in these blood vessels. This is the main mechanism by which the pressure in the blood vessels is lowered.

Blocking the actions of angiotensin II also reduces the action of aldosterone on the kidneys. The result of this is an increase in the amount of fluid removed from the blood by the kidneys. This decreases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which also lessens the resistance and pressure in the blood vessels.

The combined overall effect of these changes is to lower the blood pressure.

Adults
Generic Atacand can be taken once or twice a day in doses totaling 8 to 32 milligrams per day. However, the recommended starting dose is 16 milligrams taken once daily. If you are taking a diuretic or if you have kidney problems, your doctor will start you on a lower dose.

If you miss a Generic Atacand dose
If you miss an Generic Atacand dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses of Generic Atacand.

Generic Atacand Overdose
Seek medical emergency in case of Generic Atacand overdose.

Symptoms of Generic Atacand overdose include

• dizziness
• low blood pressure
• abnormally slow or rapid heartbeat

Generic Atacand Storage instructions
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store Generic Atacand at room temperature between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused amount of Generic Atacand after the expiration date.

Generic Atacand Preparations:
Generic Atacand Tablets- 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg.

If Generic Atacand is taken with any of the following, there may be an increase in the amount of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia):

• potassium-sparing diuretics, eg spironolactone
• potassium supplements
• potassium containing salt substitutes
• other medicines that may increase potassium levels, eg heparin.

Monitoring of the blood potassium level may be required if these are taken with Generic Atacand.

If Generic Atacand is taken with lithium, the level of lithium in the blood may be increased. Lithium levels should be monitored if the two are used together.

Generic Atacand precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Generic Atacand has been found to cause injury or even death to an unborn child when used during the last 6 months of pregnancy. As soon as you learn that you are pregnant, stop taking Generic Atacand and call your doctor.

It is not known whether Generic Atacand appears in breast milk, but because of the potential risks to the nursing infant, its considered best to avoid Generic Atacand while breastfeeding. You should decide whether to give up nursing or discontinue Generic Atacand. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Special warnings about Generic Atacand
People with decreased kidney function should have regular blood tests to monitor the levels of potassium and creatinine in their blood while taking Generic Atacand.

People with high blood pressure due to high levels of the hormone aldosterone (primary hyperaldosteronism) do not generally respond Generic Atacand, and it is not recommended for these people.

The safety and efficacy of Generic Atacand in children has not been studied.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using Generic Atacand and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Possible Generic Atacand Side effects
More common side effects of Generic Atacand may include:

• back pain,
• dizziness,
• respiratory tract infection

Less common side effects of Generic Atacand may include:

• abdominal pain,
• bronchitis,
• chest pain,
• cough,
• diarrhea,
• fatigue,
• headache,
• joint pain,
• nausea,
• runny nose,
• sinus inflammation,
• sore throat,
• swelling,
• vomiting

Rare side effects of Generic Atacand may include:

• anxiety,
• blood disorders,
• blood in urine,
• depression,
• difficulty in breathing,
• drowsiness,
• fever,
• gastrointestinal disorders,
• hives,
• increased blood sugar,
• indigestion,
• itching,
• liver disorders,
• muscle aches,
• nosebleed,
• rapid heartbeat,
• rash,
• sweating,
• tingling,
• tiredness,
• weakness