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Compare Atacand vs. Micardis

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Candesartan (Atacand) and telmisartan (Micardis) are both angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) used to treat high blood pressure. However, there are some differences between the two. Candesartan is available for both adults and children, while Telmisartan is only for adults. Telmisartan also has an additional use for lowering the risk of death, stroke, or heart attack in certain adults with heart problems, which is not a labeled use for candesartan. The typical starting dose for candesartan is 16 mg once daily, whereas for telmisartan, it's 40 mg once daily. Both medications can cause side effects like upper respiratory infections and back pain, but telmisartan may also cause leg pain and skin ulcers. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics and should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby.

  • Candesartan (Atacand)
    Telmisartan (Micardis)
  • Candesartan (Atacand)
    Telmisartan (Micardis)

  • Summary of Atacand vs. Micardis

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Candesartan (Atacand) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's one of the first-choice medication for treating high blood pressure in adults and children. It can also help lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults. Candesartan (Atacand) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Most people don't experience many side effects while taking this medication, but some can include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and back pain.

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Telmisartan (Micardis) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure in adults. Telmisartan (Micardis) is also used to lower the risk of death or heart attack in certain people with heart problems. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once a day. Side effects aren't common, but people taking telmisartan (Micardis) have reported ones like upper respiratory infection and back pain.

  • Indications of Atacand vs. Micardis

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children
    •Lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Lowering the risk of death, stroke, or heart attack in certain adults 55 years or older with a history of heart problems (e.g., coronary artery disease)

  • Pros and Cons of Atacand vs. Micardis

    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for high blood pressure
    •Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling
    •Can be made into an oral suspension for people who have trouble taking tablets
    •A possible option for children
    Cons
    •Must be avoided during pregnancy
    •Interacts with NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil)
    •Can take 4-6 weeks before you notice the full benefit
    •Can raise potassium levels as a side effect
    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Typically taken once a day
    •Lowers the risk of heart attack or death due to heart problems in people with CAD
    •Less likely to cause dry cough compared to ACE inhibitors
    Cons
    •Can’t take while pregnant
    •Might require regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your kidneys are functioning normally
    •Not safe for use in children
    •Can take up to 4 weeks to see the full effect on high blood pressure

  • Common Side Effects of Atacand vs. Micardis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (cough, sore throat; 7%)
    •Pain in the legs while walking (up to 7%)
    •Skin ulcers (up to 3%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    •Sinus infection (stuffy nose; 3%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)

  • Warnings of Atacand vs. Micardis

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney problems
    •High levels of potassium
    •Liver problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Atacand vs. Micardis

    Learn more about Candesartan
    Learn more about Telmisartan

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