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Candesartan

Pronounced

"kan-de-SAR-tan"

Common brand names:

Atacand

Uses

Candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. Candesartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

This medication is also used to treat heart failure.

This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 1 year due to increased risk of side effects.

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used for kidney disease and to help protect the kidneys from harm due to diabetes.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking candesartan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take up to 6 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

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Information expires December 2025.