Atacand HCT and/or Equivalents

Atacand HCT (candesartan cilexetil–HCT)

Atacand HCT Description

Atacand HCT is an antihypertensive drug used essentially in cases of arterial hypertension. Additionally, it is also used to treat patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular systolic function, if any ACE-inhibitor intolerance is detected. Atacand is a representative of the group of AT 1 antagonists. The effect of this medication is based on a non-competitive inhibition of the AT 1 receptor. Following the administration of a single dose of Atacand HCT, the blood pressure lowering effect is usually initiated within two hours and lasts for 24 hours. For long-term treatment, the maximal blood pressure lowering effect is reached within four weeks after the start of its daily intake. The efficacy of Atacand is unaffected by age or gender of the patients. A combination of this medication with other antihypertensive drugs such as ACE inhibitors is possible. If ACE inhibitors cannot be tolerated or cannot be used, Atacand HCT can be used as an alternative.

Conditions Treated by Atacand HCT

Like most angiotensin II receptor antagonists, Atacand HCT is used mainly in the treatment of hypertensive patients. The results of a study in early 2000 showed the benefits of Atacand in reducing morbidity and mortality in humans when used as a therapeutic medication in heart failure. Atacand is used to reduce the high blood pressure and for the treatment of heart failure as well. This medication can also be administered for patients with ventricular dysfunction. Treatment with the drug has reportedly reduced cases of heart failure, impaired ventricular function and mortality in most patients. The capacity of the heart is also significantly improved.

Atacand HCT shows the typical mechanism of action of AT1 receptor antagonists. The active ingredients in this group reduce blood pressure by influencing the body's most powerful pressure substance, angiotensin II. In the blood vessels, angiotensin II causes a strong contraction. At the kidney angiotensin II causes the release of aldosterone, a hormone that promotes the retention of water and salt in the body. By the narrowing of blood vessels and by an increase in the circulating blood volume, it leads to a sharp rise in blood pressure. The AT1 receptor antagonists repress and block the effects of angiotensin II. Then, the blood vessels dilate, and water and salt is excreted from the body. This reduces the blood pressure and blood flow is generally improved.

Atacand HCT Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

Atacand HCT is not sold without a doctor’s prescription. Use this drug as per your doctor’s recommendations. The drug is not suitable for use in children and adolescents under the age of 18. Atacand HCT has a weaker effect in patients with dark skin color than whites. So the physician should adjust the dosage as such.

b.) Missing a Dose

Take the accidentally skipped dose immediately when you recall it. But if it’s already time for the next dose, skip the previous one and proceed with the subsequent dose.

c.) Overdosing

Overdosing of Atacand HCT can have adverse effects such as fatigue, dizziness and headache. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn and abdominal pain. It may cause discomfort in the chest as well. Occasionally there have also been complaints about irritation in the respiratory tract and urinary tract. If you experience these symptoms after an Atacand HCT dose, you must call and consult your doctor immediately and seek advice on further dosage.

Atacand HCT Side Effects

In clinical studies, the side effects of Atacand HCT were found to be of a different frequency than later in the broad application of the drug. Common side effects from clinical trials:

• Drowsiness
• dizziness
• headaches
• infections of the upper respiratory tract
• parasite infestation
• decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin
• increased blood creatinine values
• blood urea surplus
• blood potassium excess
• blood sodium deficiency
• elevated liver enzymes (GPT)
• low blood pressure
• kidney dysfunction

Very rare side effects from broader application

• Reduction of any or all groups of white blood cells
• blood sodium deficiency
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• liver enzyme increase in value
• liver dysfunction
• liver inflammation
• vessel swelling
• skin rash
• hives
• itching
• Adverse effects such as back pain
• joint pain
• muscle pain and kidney failure have also been found in susceptible patients

Nevertheless, the drug, compared with other antihypertensive agents, has fewer side effects. These side effects occur only because each person reacts differently to medications. Do note that the side effects in type and number, depending on the dosage of Atacand HCT, may be different.

Atacand HCT Warnings

The drug can cause birth defects in pregnancy. Therefore, during the treatment appropriate measures must be taken to prevent pregnancy. The physician should avoid a combination of the drug with potassium-sparing diuretics because that can result in excess potassium in the blood. In patients with renal impairment, the condition of the kidneys is to be checked regularly by a doctor. Driving a car or operating machinery right after an Atacand HCT dose can prove dangerous. There are also reports of allergic reactions from the consumption of Atacand HCT. If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible Drug Interactions with Atacand HCT

The drug interactions depend on the dosage administered to the patient and hence their severity may differ from patient to patient. With other blood pressure lowering drugs, the blood pressure lowering effect can be enhanced. If prescribed along with potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or other drugs which increase potassium levels Atacand HCT may increase the potassium concentration in blood, causing heart rhythm disturbances and even paralysis. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• Barbiturate Medication:
  • amobarbital (Amytal)
  • butabarbital (Butisol)
  • mephobarbital (Mebaral)
  • secobarbital (Seconal)
  • Phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs):
  • ibuprofen(Advil, Motrin)
  • naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet)
  • Celebrex (celecoxib)
  • diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze)
  • Indocin (indomethacin)
  • Mobic (Meloxicam)
• Muscle Relaxants:
  • Lioresal (baclofen)
  • Soma (carisoprodol)
  • Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
  • Dantrium (dantrolene)
  • Skelaxin (Metaxalone)
  • Robaxin (methocarbamol)
  • Norflex (orphenadrine)
  • Zanaflex (Tizanidine)
• Steroid Medication:
  • Deltasone (prednisone)

This is not a complete list of all medications that may interact with Atacand HCT. Please notify all of your health care providers about the prescription and over-the-counter medications you currently take. This should include a complete list of all vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a treatment of a new medicine without properly notifying your primary health care professional or doctor.

If you have any questions about buying discount Atacand HCT online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Atacand HCT and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information