What is candesartan?
Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Candesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Candesartan is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes.
Candesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about candesartan?
Do not use candesartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Candesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking candesartan.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to candesartan.
Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of candesartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking candesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
In rare cases, candesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking candesartan?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to candesartan.
To make sure you can safely take candesartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use candesartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Candesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking candesartan.
It is not known whether candesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.