Atacand HCT

Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could deplete your body's fluids and cause your blood pressure to become too low. Be careful when exercising and during hot weather.

Atacand HCT has not been evaluated for use in children.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Atacand HCT

If Atacand HCT is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Atacand HCT with the following:

• Alcohol
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and secobarbital
• Cholestyramine
• Colestipol
• Insulin
• Lithium
• Muscle relaxants such as tubocurarine
• Narcotic painkillers such as acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Norepinephrine
• Oral diabetes drugs such as chlorpropamide, glipizide, or glyburide
• Other blood-pressure lowering drugs
• Steroid medications such as prednisone

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Atacand HCT can cause injury or even death to an unborn child when used during the last 6 months of pregnancy. As soon as you learn that you are pregnant, stop taking Atacand HCT and call your doctor. Atacand HCT appears in breast milk and can affect the nursing infant. You'll need to choose between breastfeeding or using Atacand HCT.

Recommended dosage for Atacand HCT

ADULTS

Atacand HCT is available in tablets containing either 16 or 32 milligrams of candesartan and 12.5 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide. The usual starting dose is one 16/12.5 tablet or one 32/12.5 tablet per day, depending on the medicine that you have been taking before starting Atacand HCT. If the starting dose is not effective in lowering your blood pressure, after four weeks your doctor may increase your dosage.

Your doctor may need to adjust your dose of Atacand HCT if you have liver or kidney problems. If your kidney problems are severe you will not be able to take Atacand HCT.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.

• Symptoms of Atacand HCT overdose may include:
  Dehydration, dizziness, low blood pressure, slow or irregular heartbeat