
candesartan / HCTZ
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.
What is Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)?
What is Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) used for?
- High blood pressure in adults
How Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) works
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Atacand HCT |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | ARB / Diuretic (water pill) |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection (4%)
- Back pain (3%)
- Flu-like symptoms (3%)
- Dizziness (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Cough
- Itching
- Rash
- Muscle spasm
- Blurry vision
- Stomach cramps
Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint or fainting
- Kidney problems: urinating less often than usual, swelling, unexplained weight gain
- Abnormal electrolyte levels: nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, tingling sensation, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, low energy, fluttering heartbeat
- Vision problems: vision changes, eye pain
- Severe allergic reaction: rash, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, throat
The following Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) side effects have also been reported
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.
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Pros and cons of Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
Pros
- Combines two blood pressure medications in one tablet
- Taken by mouth once per day
- Side effects aren't common
Cons
- Only available as a tablet
- Might take about 4 weeks before seeing maximum benefit
- Can't take during pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
- 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.
Risks and warnings for Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
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.
Not for use during pregnancy
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.
Low 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.
Worsening of kidney problems
- 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.
Changes in electrolyte, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels
- 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.
Allergic reaction
- 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.
Vision problems
- 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.
Lupus
- Risk factors: History of lupus
Medications containing hydrochlorothiazide like Atacand HCT can cause or worsen lupus. Talk to your prescriber if you have symptoms such as feeling very tired, joint pain, or a skin rash across your cheeks and nose.
Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) dosage
Interactions between Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
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.
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acetyldigoxin
- Amphetamine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Aspirin
- Benazepril
- Benzphetamine
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Captopril
- Celecoxib
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Deslanoside
- Desmopressin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Dextroamphetamine
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digitalis
- Digitoxin
- Digoxin
- Dipyrone
- Droperidol
- Droxicam
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Flecainide
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Fosinopril
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketanserin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Levomethadyl
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Lisinopril
- Lithium
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Methamphetamine
- Methotrexate
- Metildigoxin
- Moexipril
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Ouabain
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Perindopril
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Porfimer
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Proscillaridin
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sotalol
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Trandolapril
- Trimethoprim
- Valdecoxib
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.
- Aminolevulinic Acid
- Bepridil
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Carbamazepine
- Celecoxib
- Cholestyramine
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyrone
- Droxicam
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Ginkgo
- Gossypol
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Licorice
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Proglumetacin
- Propionic Acid
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Topiramate
- Valdecoxib
How much does Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) cost?
Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) will not be safe for you to take.
- Unable to urinate
- Taking at the same time as aliskiren (Tekturna) in people with diabetes
- Allergy to candesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or other sulfa medication(s)
What are alternatives to Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)?
News about Atacand HCT (candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)

