Candesartan cilexetil is sold under the brand name Atacand. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension in adults and children (1 to 17 years of age). Presently, one billion or more people worldwide have high blood pressure and this number is expected to increase to 1.56 billion people by the year 2025. These figures indicate that about one out of every four adults is afflicted with hypertension. Prolonged uncontrolled and inadequate treatment of high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and other cardiovascular diseases. The drug restricts the effect of a hormone called angiotensin II. Ingredients of this medication relax the blood vessels, which helps in lowering the blood pressure. Sometimes doctors recommend this drug in combination of other medication also.
Precautions before Taking Atacand
You should take care of the following things before you begin your treatment with Atacand:
Children below one must not be given the drug for hypertension or high blood pressure.
Patients with heart problems must avoid the drug.
People above the age of 75 should also avoid the drug.
If Atacand is taken in combination with lithium, it is essential to carefully monitor the serum lithium levels.
Since thiazide is present in the drug, it is essential to monitor patients for clinical signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance and for metabolic alterations.
In cases of hypertension, the depletion of salt in the body should be checked prior to administering the drug.
Along with ensuring these precautions it is advisable to follow the regime your doctor has designed for you.
Side Effects of Atacand
The common side effects from the drug which are observed in majority of patients include fever, paresthesia, vertigo and gastrointestinal system disorder. Dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, heart rate and rhythm disorders, tachycardia, palpitation, metabolic disorders and nutritional disorders are some other side effects. In very rare cases arthritis of hands, mental confusion, leg cramps, eye sight problems and hair thinning is also registered among the patient of high blood pressure.
Dosage of Atacand for Adults
This drug can be taken twice a day. The dosage should be in between 8mg and 32mg and not more. If you are suffering from kidney or liver problems, adjust the dosage according to your doctor’s recommendation.
Important Alert for Atacand Users
The drug can increase potassium levels in body. You should keep a regular watch on the levels of potassium by having a blood test at least once in every three months. If there is a significant increase in the levels, it is highly recommended to not use potassium rich fruits. According to medical professionals potassium level should be maintained around five points.