Candesartan: uses, side effects and cautions

Candesartan is a medicine used to manage high blood pressure and heart failure. It is an angiotensin receptor blocker. The NHS adds that it may be prescribed off-label to help prevent migraine, which means the use is not part of its official licence and the decision rests with a specialist or prescriber.

Most adults and children aged 6 and over can take candesartan. It is not suitable if you have had an allergic reaction to it or another ARB, or if you have a kidney or liver condition or diabetes, which need discussion first. It is not used in pregnancy, and breastfeeding needs caution.

Candesartan is a tablet usually taken once a day. Swallow it whole with a glass of water, or break it in half if you need to; do not chew it. Try to take it at the same time each day.

A doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after around 2 to 4 weeks. The NHS page gives no fixed dose numbers. You can eat as normal, and many people take it for weeks, months or years.

Missed a dose? Take it as soon as you remember unless the next is nearly due; then skip it. Do not take two. An extra dose may be dangerous, so call NHS 111. Do not stop without talking to your doctor, because your condition may get worse; if stopping is right, the doctor will supervise it.

Expect blood tests and blood pressure checks to see how it affects blood pressure, kidneys and liver.

Commoner effects include headaches, catching infections such as chest infections more often, tingling in hands and feet, and low blood pressure that can leave you dizzy and tired. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if they bother you.

Rare serious effects: allergic reaction with throat or tongue swelling and breathing difficulty; blood cell changes causing tiredness, frequent infections or fever; liver inflammation with tiredness and yellow eyes; kidney problems with unexplained weight loss, swelling or frequent urination. Call NHS 111 for suspected serious effects.

Driving is not usually affected, but wait until dizziness has passed.

The NHS names aliskiren, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril, the diuretic spironolactone, lithium, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and etoricoxib, and heparin. Potassium supplements and potassium salt substitutes are also named. Avoid alcohol where possible because it can lower blood pressure further.

Candesartan is not used in pregnancy because it can affect how the baby develops in the womb and may lead to premature birth. Your doctor will suggest safer treatment for blood pressure. If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor: there is a risk of side effects in the baby, so the benefits and risks are weighed up.

Losartan, valsartan and irbesartan are other ARBs. ACE inhibitors such as ramipril are another group, and beta blockers or calcium channel blockers may be used in some conditions. Report side effects through the Yellow Card scheme.