Atacand HCT

Overview

About Atacand HCT

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 Seconal
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Insulin
Lithium (Eskalith)
Muscle relaxants such as tubocurarine
Narcotic painkillers such as Percocet
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, or Naprosyn
Norepinephrine (Levophed)
Oral diabetes drugs such as Diabinese, Diabeta, or Glucotrol
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

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.