Atacand HCT is a combination medication used to lower high blood pressure in adults. It contains candesartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic). This medication comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once per day. Side effects aren't common, but can include upper respiratory tract infection and dizziness. Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is available as brand name and generic medications.
High blood pressure in adults
Atacand HCT is a combination of two medications that help lower blood pressure in different ways:
Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It lowers blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II. This is a hormone that typically causes your blood vessels to become more narrow, which raises your blood pressure.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It works in your kidneys to remove extra water and certain electrolytes, like sodium and potassium, from your body. This lowers the fluid in your blood vessels, helping to lower blood pressure.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
dizziness
dryness of the mouth
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
lightheadedness
muscle cramps
unusual tiredness
vomiting
weak pulse
weakness
Rare
Arm pain
chest pain or tightness
fast heartbeat
large, hive like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
trouble breathing
Incidence not known
Black, tarry stools
chills
confusion
lower back or side pain
nervousness
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
persistent non-healing sore
pink growth
reddish patch or irritated area
shiny bump
sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
stomach pain
swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
unusual bleeding or bruising
weakness or heaviness of the legs
white, yellow or waxy scar-like area
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Back pain
headache
joint pain
loss of appetite
muscle aches and pains
sweating
trouble sleeping
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, loosening of skin
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
hair loss, thinning of the hair
hives or welts, itching, skin rash
inability to have or keep an erection
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
redness of the skin
redness or other discoloration of the skin
red irritated eyes
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
severe sunburn
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Combines two blood pressure medications in one tablet
Taken by mouth once per day
Side effects aren't common
Only available as a tablet
Might take about 4 weeks before seeing maximum benefit
Can't take during pregnancy
You might notice your blood pressure improving right after starting Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). But it can take up to 4 weeks to see the maximum blood pressure-lowering effects of the medication.
Take Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) at any time of day. But you might consider taking it in the morning since hydrochlorothiazide in Atacand HCT can make you urinate more.
You can take Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) with or without food. If the medication hurts your stomach, taking it with food might help.
Be sure to check your blood pressure at home and write down your readings. Share this log with your prescriber at your follow-up visits. This will help your prescriber see how well Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is working for you and see whether you need any changes to your treatment plan.
Take Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) exactly as prescribed. Don't change your dose or stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your prescriber first. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to rise quickly. You might need to lower your dose slowly over time before you can completely stop taking it.
Stay hydrated while taking Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Taking this medication when you're dehydrated can lead to very low blood pressure that might cause you to faint. If you lose a lot of fluids from sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting, ask your healthcare team how much fluids you need to drink to recover.
Hydrochlorothiazide in Atacand HCT can make you more sensitive to the sun. Wear protective clothing when going outside to lower your risk of sunburns, and ask your healthcare team about getting your skin checked regularly for skin cancer.
Both candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide can interact with other medications, such as lithium (Lithobid) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)). Tell your care team about all the medications you're taking before and during treatment with Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide).
Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) isn't safe to take during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, contact your prescriber right away. Your prescriber will likely recommend a different medication that's safe during pregnancy.
Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Don't take Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) if you're pregnant. Candesartan in Atacand HCT can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening harm to unborn babies. If you find out that you're pregnant, stop taking this medication and let your prescriber know right away. If you're pregnant before starting Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) or thinking of becoming pregnant during treatment, discuss with your healthcare professional (HCP) about safer options to treat your blood pressure.
Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body | Receiving dialysis | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Eating low-salt diet | Taking diuretic medications for a long time | Heart failure
Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much, which can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This side effect is more common if you're dehydrated from diarrhea or vomiting, or if you have heart failure. Before you start Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), your care team will check to see if your fluid and salt levels are balanced. They will instruct you to stay well-hydrated to avoid having blood pressure that's too low. Sit down slowly while holding onto something if you feel dizzy from low blood pressure. Let your care team know if your blood pressure drops too much. Get medical help immediately if you fall and hit your head.
Risk factors: Certain kidney problems | Severe heart failure | Loss of water and salt
In general, ARBs like candesartan in Atacand HCT can protect the kidneys. But in some cases, they might also cause kidney injury. For example, ARBs might cause harm in people with severe heart failure, a kidney condition called renal artery stenosis (RAS), or are dehydrated. Let your prescriber know if you're having problems with urination, as this could be a sign that your kidneys aren't working as well.
Risk factors: Taking other medications that can change electrolyte, blood sugar, or cholesterol levels
Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can affect the level of certain electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium in your body. It can also change your blood sugar levels and raise the cholesterol and triglycerides levels.
You might need regular blood tests done while taking Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) to check that your electrolyte, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels are within a safe range. Let your care team know about all the medications you're taking because some of them can cause similar changes. Also, tell your care team if you experience an irregular heartbeat, weakness, low energy, muscle weakness or cramps, reduced urination, nausea, or vomiting. These can be signs of electrolyte imbalances.
Risk factors: History allergies or asthma | Allergy to sulfa
Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause allergic reactions. Your risk is higher if you have a history of allergies, asthma, or a sulfa allergy, though it can happen to anyone. Let your prescriber know if you have a rash, itchiness, hives, trouble breathing, or swelling in the face.
Risk factors: History of sulfa or penicillin allergy
Although rare, some people experience vision changes or eye pain within hours or weeks of starting taking hydrochlorothiazide, an ingredient in Atacand HCT. Tell your prescriber right away about any vision changes and stop taking Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), as untreated symptoms could lead to permanent vision loss.
Your prescriber will determine your dose based on different factors like how high your blood pressure is and the dosages of any blood pressure medications you're currently taking.
Adults: In general, the typical dose ranges from 16 mg/12.5 mg (candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) to 32 mg/25 mg (candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) by mouth once daily.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Unable to urinate
Taking at the same time as aliskiren (Tekturna) in people with diabetes
Allergy to candesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or other sulfa medication(s)
High blood pressure in adults
High blood pressure
High blood pressure
By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Feidakis, A., et al. (2021). Impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers on acute kidney injury in emergency medical admissions. Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Macleods Pharmaceuticals Limited. (2022). Candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. (2014). Renal artery stenosis.
National Kidney Foundation. (2023). ACE inhibitors and ARBs.
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.