subject: How to Use Atacand to Get the Best Results [print this page] How to Use Atacand to Get the Best Results
Atacand (Candesartan) is used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure in children and teenagers aged 1 and 16 years. High blood pressure, if left untreated, can affect the arteries and the heart. It can also damage the blood vessels of the heart, brain and kidneys, and result in heart failure or kidney failure. High blood pressure is one of the major precursors of heart attacks. If blood pressure is controlled, these related health problems can also be kept at bay. As an angiotensin II receptor blocker, Candesartan works by relaxing the blood vessels. This in turn improves the supply of oxygen and blood to the heart and lowers blood pressure. The drug is also used to treat heart failure in adults.
How to Use Atacand
Atacand is an oral medication that needs to be taken strictly according to the physician's dosing instructions. If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose the next time. Consult your physician. You should also consult your doctor before using salt substitutes or potassium supplements along with this treatment. High blood pressure rarely has any observable symptoms and even if you start feeling better mid-way through the course of treatment, do not stop taking the drug unless your doctor asks you to.
Precautions while on Atacand
If you are currently suffering from any health problem, you must let your doctor know about them before starting Atacand treatment. You must also tell your doctor about any past history of health problems, such as liver problems, congestive heart failure, strokes, allergies or diabetes, etc. You will need to limit alcohol intake while on Atacand because it can aggravate the side effects associated with the drug. You also need to exercise caution while performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving, working with heavy machinery, etc. This medication should not be used during pregnancy, as it can affect the fetus.
Drug Interactions with Atacand
You must tell your doctor about any other over-the-counter or prescription medication you are taking currently in order to avoid drug interaction with Atacand. Once you are prescribed with Atacand, you need to consult your doctor before taking drugs for cough, cold and allergies. It is also better to speak to your doctor before using drugs such as gentamicin, amphotericin, etc., since these drugs can trigger problems like kidney failure.
Side Effects of Atacand
Some of the common side effects of Atacand include back pain, cold or flu like symptoms, which include an infection of the respiratory tract and dizziness. However, seek immediate medical attention in case of:
Excessive itching sensations
Skin rashes
Skin peeling or blisters
Urine retention or decrease in urine volume
Difficulty while swallowing or breathing
Dizziness and light headedness, leading to fainting spells
Some rare side effects in people suffering from congestive heart ailments or hypertension include abnormal lowering of blood pressure and increase in blood potassium levels. About 1% of the people on Atacand have also reported vertigo, hepatitis, high blood sugar, muscle pain, depression, anxiety, etc.
