Candesartan is a prescription medication used to manage hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart failure. It belongs to the class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Candesartan helps lower blood pressure by blocking the effects of a hormone called angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure.

Candesartan is available in its generic form or under the brand name Atacand.

This medication can only be obtained with a prescription, meaning you must have a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to purchase it.

The use of candesartan may lead to adverse side effects.

Common side effects associated with candesartan may include:

• Headache
  
• Sore throat
  
• Back pain
  
• Congestion
  
• Dizziness
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Kidney problems, including changes in urine output or color
  
• Signs of high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or numbness/tingling
  
• Swelling
  
• Hoarseness
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
  

If you experience any of these side effects or have concerns about them, consult your healthcare provider.

Before starting candesartan, inform your healthcare provider about any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with candesartan.

Specifically, tell your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride)
  
• Potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen
  
• Lithium
  
• Other antihypertensive medications
  
• Diuretics
  
• Aliskiren
  
• Digoxin
  
  

Candesartan should be used cautiously or avoided if you have certain medical conditions, such as kidney problems, heart conditions, or diabetes. Your healthcare provider will assess whether candesartan is suitable for your specific situation.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using candesartan to weigh the potential risks and benefits.

The recommended dosing of candesartan may vary depending on your individual needs and your healthcare provider's guidance. Typically, the starting dose for managing hypertension is 16 mg or 32 mg once daily.

For heart failure management, the initial dose is usually 4 mg once daily, which may be increased gradually under medical supervision.

Do not discontinue or increase your candesartan dosage without consulting your doctor first.

Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of candesartan.

Candesartan is currently only available via prescription. A licensed healthcare provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. You can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy, depending on the medication. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not candesartan might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances.

Providers on Sesame can assist you with obtaining a prescription for candesartan, which you can pick up at a pharmacy near you, often on the same day. Don't wait to get your prescription filled—talk to a provider on Sesame today and streamline the process for convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Please remember that the decision to prescribe candesartan is at the discretion of your healthcare provider.