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Compare Exforge vs. Atacand

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

Key takeaways

Exforge (amlodipine/valsartan) and Atacand (candesartan) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they have some key differences. Exforge is a combination of two medications: amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), and valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). In contrast, Atacand contains only candesartan, which is an ARB. Exforge is typically taken once a day, while Atacand can be taken once or twice daily. Atacand is also used to lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults and can be prescribed to children. Common side effects of Exforge include swelling in the legs and dizziness, while Atacand may cause upper respiratory infections, dizziness, and back pain. Both medications can raise potassium levels and should not be used during pregnancy. Additionally, both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms.

  • Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan)
    Candesartan (Atacand)
  • Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan)
    Candesartan (Atacand)

  • Summary of Exforge vs. Atacand

    Summary for CCB / ARB
    Prescription only

    Exforge is a combination blood pressure medication for adults. It contains amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker, or CCB) and valsartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker, or ARB). It comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once per day. Some side effects of Exforge (amlodipine / valsartan) include swelling throughout the body and dizziness. This medication is available as generics.

    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.

  • Indications of Exforge vs. Atacand

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children
    •Lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Exforge vs. Atacand

    Pros and Const for CCB / ARB
    Pros
    •Convenient to take a combination of two medications in one pill
    •Only taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Might not be a good choice for people with liver problems
    •Can cause swelling in the arms and legs
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Exforge vs. Atacand

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling in legs or arms (5%)
    •Sore throat, runny nose, and other cold-like symptoms (3-4%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Back pain (3%)

  • Warnings of Exforge vs. Atacand

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Risk of heart attack or chest pain
    •Possible kidney damage in certain people
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Exforge vs. Atacand

    Learn more about Exforge
    Learn more about Candesartan

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