Candesartan
NHS information about the medicine candesartan, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What candesartan is for
Candesartan is a type of medicine called an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
It helps manage high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure (where the heart cannot pump blood around the body properly).
Sometimes a doctor may prescribe candesartan to help prevent migraine headaches, although it’s not approved for this.
How to take candesartan
Candesartan usually comes as tablet you swallow with water. It’s usually taken once a day.
Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after around 2 to 4 weeks. This is to reduce the chance of side effects and find the right dose to manage your condition.
When taking candesartan:
- try to take it at the same time each day
- swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water, or you may be able to break them in half if you need to
- do not chew the tablets
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Your doctor will arrange for you to have blood tests and blood pressure checks while you’re taking candesartan, to check how it’s affecting your blood pressure, kidneys and liver.
If you miss a dose of candesartan
If you forget to take a dose of candesartan, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.
If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.
If you take too much candesartan
Taking an extra dose of candesartan may be dangerous.
Side effects of candesartan
Like all medicines, candesartan can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of candesartan include:
- headaches
- getting infections more often, such as chest infections
- your hands and feet tingling
- low blood pressure, which can make you feel dizzy and tired
Children taking candesartan can also get side effects such as:
- a sore throat
- a runny nose
- high temperature (fever)
- an increased heart rate
Candesartan will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. But if you feel dizzy after taking it, wait until you no longer have these side effects.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of candesartan.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take candesartan
Most adults and children aged 6 years and older can take candesartan.
But candesartan is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you’ve had an allergic reaction to candesartan or another angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) before
- you have a condition affecting your kidneys or liver
- you have diabetes
Before taking candesartan, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and candesartan
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding, as there's a risk your baby could have side effects if you breastfeed while taking candesartan.
A doctor may advise you to keep taking candesartan if the benefits outweigh the risks, or recommend you try a different type of medicine to manage high blood pressure while you’re breastfeeding.
If you’re taking candesartan while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and candesartan
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Candesartan is not used in pregnancy because it can affect how your baby develops in the womb and cause them to be born early (premature).
Your doctor can recommend a different medicine to help manage high blood pressure that is safer to take during pregnancy.
Taking candesartan with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with candesartan.
This includes:
- some other medicines for high blood pressure and heart problems, including aliskerin, beta blocker medicines and ACE inhibitor medicines like lisinopril
- some medicines that help to remove excess fluid in your body through your pee (diuretics), such as spironolactone
- supplements and salt substitutes (used to flavour food) containing potassium
- lithium (used to treat some mental health problems)
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and etoricoxib
- heparin (used to help prevent blood clots)
This is not the full list of medicines that may not mix well with candesartan. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you’re taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with candesartan
You can eat as normal while taking candesartan, but it's best to avoid alcohol because it can increase the risk of side effects like low blood pressure.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice
