Warnings & Recalls for Atacand
Atacand and Pregnancy
The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration has listed
Atacand as a
pregnancy Category D medication. Atacand
should not be taken during pregnancy. If taken during the
final 6 months of pregnancy, Atacand may be
toxic to the fetus or even cause
death. It is
unknown if Atacand passes through
breastmilk. It is important to
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or are breastfeeding
before taking Atacand. If you become pregnant while taking this medication,
discontinue use immediately.
Atacand may cause
adverse side effects in the fetus during the
last two trimesters of pregnancy such as:
- high blood pressure
- deformations of the skull
- decrease in renal function
- underdevelopment of the lungs
- anuria (lack of urine)
- death
Atacand Drug Interactions
According to the FDA,
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and
Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors (
COX2-inhibitors) can interact with Atacand. For
elderly patients and patients who are taking
diuretics, this combination may cause a
decrease in renal function. In serious cases, taking Atacand with these medicines can cause
renal failure.
Cases have been reported of dangerously
high serum lithium levels in patients who have taken lithium after being treated with Atacand. If you take Atacand after using lithium, be sure to monitor serum lithium levels.
Avoid
alcohol,
heat, and heavy
exercise while taking Atacand. These may cause extreme
dizziness and could lead to
fainting.
General Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following
before taking
Atacand:
- any allergies, especially to Atacand or any other angiotensin II receptor blockers
- kidney or liver disease
- a history of kidney or liver failure
- diabetes
- problems that cause fluid loss (diarrhea or vomiting)
- been taking any prescription or non-prescription medicines
- been planning to become pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding
Let your doctor know if you will be undergoing
anesthesia, taking Atacand simultaneously can cause low blood pressure.
Atacand Treatment and Use
Atacand | Candesartan Celexetil is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) marketed by AstraZeneca for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). Atacand may be prescribed alone or with other medications to lower blood pressure. Atacand may be used for the following:
- treating congestive heart failure
- increasing the productivity of the heart
- treating diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease in diabetic patients)
Atacand should not be used by anyone under the age of 1. Atacand is not approved for use by children; however, a doctor may prescribe this medicine to a child if he or she believes the benefits of using Atacand outweigh the risks in these patients.
How Does Atacand Work?
Atacand works by preventing angiotensin from attaching to receptors. The prevents muscles from contracting along with blood vessels. This allows blood to more freely through the body and decreases blood pressure.
Atacand Dosage Information
Dosage for Atacand depends on the patients age and medical condition. Atacand comes in tablet form. Atacand is usually taken once daily between 4 to 32 mg by adults. For adults treating high blood pressure, the normal initial dose is 32 mg per day. Adults treating heart failure are usually prescribed 4 mg each day to begin treatment. Your doctor may double the dose depending on how well you tolerate the medicine.
No more than 32 mg should be taken in 24 hours unless your doctor instructs you to do so.
Ask your doctor which dose of Atacand is right for you. Do not take more or less than the prescribed amount or end use of Atacand without consent from your doctor. Follow all instructions on the label carefully.
