Candesartan belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), just like Losartan. ARBs block the substances that constrict the blood vessels and hence more blood and oxygen can reach the heart. Candesartan is therefore commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure in patients with reduced left ventricular systolic function when medications such as Lisinopril or Ramipril (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) cannot be used (because of the side effects such as a dry cough).
Candesartan comes as tablets and is given orally.
If you are taking Candesartan for high blood pressure, initially, you will take 8 mg once daily. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on your response to the medication every 4-6 weeks. The maximum daily dose is 32 mg.
If you are taking it for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, the initial dose is 4-8 mg once daily. The dose will be adjusted based on your response. The maximum daily dose is 32 mg.
Common side effects of Candesartan include diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, high potassium levels, low blood pressure, and kidney impairment. If you have intravascular volume depletion, for example, those taking high-dose other blood pressure-lowering drugs, you may also experience postural hypotension, that is your blood pressure falls when you stand up from sitting or lying down.
Common dosing schedule:
You can take Candesartan with or without food.
Take the first dose at bedtime to avoid dizziness. You can take it at any time of day afterwards. Take the drug at the same time every day.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Candesartan may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Candesartan is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Candesartan in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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