Atacand Blood Pressure Medication: Benefits and Side Effects You Should Know

Atacand is a medication that lowers blood pressure by preventing blood vessels from narrowing to encourage normal circulation in patients with high blood pressure.

Lowering blood pressure helps to reduce the risk of heart complications, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Dr. Crandall: Normal Blood Pressure Linked to Key Discovery

Patients are encouraged to take the medication as directed because it may take between two and four weeks before the blood pressure is under control, according to Drugs.com.

Atacand is in the class of angiotensin receptor blockers, or ARBs, which relax the blood vessels so blood flows efficiently.

High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so medication should be continued even when patients feel well.

Candesartan, the generic name for Atacand, may interact with other drugs including aliskiren, a medication prescribed for some diabetic patients. Tell your doctor what other drugs you are taking before starting a new blood pressure medication.

Patients should inform doctors about kidney disease, liver disease, or congestive heart failure before taking Atacand. Dehydration, low-salt diets, and electrolyte imbalance may also affect Atacand. Candesartan should not be used by pregnant women.

If common side effects continue for more than four weeks, patients should discuss changing blood pressure medication with their doctor, Drugs.com recommends.

Alert: Blood Pressure Information Your Doctor Hasn't Told You

According to WebMD, common side effects of Atacand include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

To avoid dizziness or lightheadedness, patients should rise slowly when changing from sitting or lying positions.

Patients taking the blood pressure medication should seek immediate medical help if they experience:

• Fainting
• Muscle weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Rash
• Itching
• Severe dizziness
• Breathing difficulties
• Swelling of the face, tongue or throat

If dizziness does occur, patients should avoid activities such as driving or use of machinery. Lightheadedness could be the result of excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms should be reported to the doctor for change or adjustment of the blood pressure medication.

Special: Blood Pressure Breakthrough From Nobel-Winning Scientist

Related Stories:

• Foods That Lower Blood Pressure: 6 Things That Will Surprise You
  
• High Blood Pressure: How to Stop Stress That Can Make Your Blood Boil