Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) prescription available online

This medication is used to treat high blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe additional medications to help manage high blood pressure.

This medication is used to treat heart failure by making your heart pump more effectively and with less strain. Atacand can also protect against myocardial infarction (heart attacks).

The FDA has approved Atacand as an off-label use to prevent migraine headaches. Atacand is used among second-line agents to treat migraines.

The side effects associated with taking Atacand are typically mild. Some common side effects of Atacand may include:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Back pain

• Stuffy nose

• Sneezing

• Sore throat

• Flu-like signs

You may experience one or a combination of these side effects, particularly when beginning treatment. It is important to tell your doctor if even a mild side effect persists and impairs your lifestyle.

Call a doctor at once if you experience any more serious side effects, such as:

• Fainting or severe dizziness

• Irregular heartbeats

• Signs of high potassium levels (nausea, slow heart rate, general weakness, loss of movement)

• Little or no urination

• Pain or difficulty urinating

• Swelling in your feet or ankles

• Extreme or unexplained exhaustion

Seek medical attention immediately if you develop signs of an allergic reaction to Atacand such as hives, difficult breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In extreme cases, Atacand can cause a condition in which the skeletal muscle tissue begins to break down. This can lead to kidney failure, and you should call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, weakness, fever, or dark-colored urine.

Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

• Wheezing

• Severe dizziness or passing out

• Urinating blood

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any serious symptoms or severe side effects.

Atacand has several drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs. 

Interactions may occur between Atacand and any of the following,

• Aliskiren
• Lithium
• Drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as potassium supplements, salt substitutes, ACE inhibitors including benazepril or lisinopril and birth control containing drospirenone)
• Products for cough and cold treatment, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure.

This is not a complete list of all the possible drug interactions with Atacand. It is useful to keep a list of your past and current medications to help your doctor determine what prescriptions are safe for you to use.

It is important to monitor your blood pressure when taking Atacand. Portable blood pressure medical devices are available at all pharmacies and grocery stores. 

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Atacand. Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may affect how medications are absorbed.

Consult your doctor before taking Atacand if you,

• Are on a low salt diet

• Have an electrolyte imbalance

• Have kidney disease

• Have liver disease

• If you have diabetes

Do not take Atacand if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Atacan can be lethal to an unborn baby and should never be taken during pregnancy. Consult your doctor about proper birth control for use during the duration of your Atacand treatment.

Atacand is used to treat hypertension, heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, and prevent migraines.

There is no chemical difference between the two. Atacand is the brand name while candesartan cilexetil is the generic name.

Avoid foods with high levels of potassium, salt, and salt substitutes while taking candesartan.