Safely Buy Atacand HCT ( Candesartan/HCTZ ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Atacand HCT is an antihypertensive medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

The medication combines candesartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), with hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic. Candesartan relaxes your blood vessels to improve blood flow while hydrochlorothiazide increases your urine production and supports proper blood flow. These actions allow Atacand HCT to treat hypertension by lowering blood pressure which reduces your risk of developing strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

Dosage and administration

The dose of Atacand HCT that is prescribed will vary depending on the individual and severity of the hypertension being treated. Follow all instructions for use outlined by your healthcare provider and read packaging labels carefully for the best results during treatment. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication or take more than prescribed without speaking to your healthcare provider.

• Swallow tablets whole
• Take with or without food at the same time each day
• Take your daily dose no later than 4 hours before your bedtime to avoid needing to urinate during the night
• Most adults take Atacand with doses ranging from 8 to 32mg of candesartan and 12.5 to 50mg of hydrochlorothiazide
• Continue taking Atacand HCT even if you feel well
• Atacand HCT may take up to 4 weeks to offer its full antihypertensive effects
• Take your Atacand HCT dose at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after taking medications used to lower cholesterol
• Store at room temperature away from children and pets

Side Effects

Atacand HCT may cause you to develop some side effects while affecting your blood vessels. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about any symptoms that you may encounter during treatment.

Common Atacand HCT side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Back pain
• Cold or flu symptoms

Serious Side Effects

Some more serious adverse reactions may occur during treatment with Atacand HCT. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:

• Eye pain or vision problems
• Light-headedness, feeling faint
• Little or no urination
• Jaundice
• Easy bruising, unusual bleeding
• Signs of an electrolyte imbalance (increased thirst or urination, confusion, vomiting, constipation, muscle pain or weakness, leg cramps, bone pain, lack of energy, irregular heartrate, tingling sensation)

Allergic Reactions

Do not use Atacand HCT if you are allergic to candesartan or hydrochlorothiazide. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the following signs of an allergic reaction:

• Hives
• Trouble breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Cautions

• Do not use Atacand HCt if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and contact your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Atacand can cause harm or death to an unborn baby if taken during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy.
• If you have diabetes, do not take Atacand HCT together with any medicine containing aliskiren. You may also need to avoid aliskiren containing drugs if you have kidney disease.
• Do not take Atacand HCT if you are unable to urinate or are allergic to sulfa drugs.
• To ensure your safety when taking Atacand HCT, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any of the following:
  • Liver disease
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Glaucoma
  • Low or high potassium levels
  • Asthma or allergies
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides
  • Gout
  • Lupus
  • Diabetes
  • Penicillin allergy
• Do not breastfeed while taking Atacand HCT because it can pass into breastmilk and affect your nursing child.
• Atacand HCT can make it easier for you to become dehydrated which can lead to dangerously low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience ongoing vomiting or diarrhea or if you are sweating more than normal.
• Avoid moving too fast when standing from a sitting or lying position to prevent yourself from getting dizzy.
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays while taking Atacand HCT because the medication may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outside.
• Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment with Atacand HCT because it can lower your blood pressure and cause adverse effects.
• Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium because Atacand HCT may cause your potassium levels to increase and the combination could lead to an electrolyte imbalance.
• If you also take cholestyramine or colestipol, wait at least 4 hours before or after using Atacand HCT to take your dose of either medication.
• Some other drugs may interact with Atacand HCT and cause adverse reactions. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you use, including any over the counter ones, but especially any of the following:
  • Lithium
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
  • Aliskiren
  • Dofetilide
  • ACE inhibitors like benazepril or lisinopril
  • Birth control pills that contain drospirenone

Form and Strength

This blood pressure medication is available in tablet form.

• Atacand HCT tablet strengths:
  • 16mg candesartan/12.5mg hydrochlorothiazide
  • 32/12.5mg
  • 32/25mg

Each Atacand HCT tablet strength is available in quantities of 90 while the 16/12.5mg strength tablet is also available in quantities of 84.

FAQ

What time of day should I take Atacand HCT?

You can take Atacand HCT any time of the day without reducing its blood pressure lowering effects. However, it is recommended that you avoid taking your daily dose within 4 hours of your bedtime so that you are less likely to wake up needing to urinate. Follow all instructions of use given by your healthcare provider for the best therapeutic results.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Atacand HCT?

It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol regularly or in large amounts during treatment. This is because alcohol can lower your blood pressure which can lead to dangerously low levels when combined with the antihypertensive effects of Atacand HCT. Speak with your healthcare provider for more information and to determine what amounts of alcohol may be safe for you.

Resources:

1. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/atacand-hct.html
2. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=d91152c4-66ba-466f-b4f9-0da628d42b1d&type=display
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/021093s021lbl.pdf
4. https://www.astrazeneca.ca/content/dam/az-ca/downloads/productinformation/atacand-plus-consumer-information-leaflet-en.pdf
5. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medications/candesartanhydrochlorothiazide-oral