This article describes candesartan oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for candesartan. If you want to know more about candesartan oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Candesartan oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Atacand. Candesartan is only available as an oral tablet. However, the tablet can be used to make an oral suspension for children or people who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
Candesartan oral tablet has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the end of this article.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? For certain health conditions, Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care with no appointment required. For $25, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board certified healthcare professional in 15 minutes or less. Get started here.
Form and strengths of candesartan
Candesartan oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet, which you take by swallowing
- Strengths: 4 milligrams (mg), 8 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg
Dosage of candesartan
This article describes the recommended dosages for candesartan oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of candesartan oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of candesartan in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of candesartan oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of candesartan oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for high blood pressure and other conditions
Below are the usual recommended dosages of candesartan oral tablet:
| Condition/Purpose | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| high blood pressure | 16 mg once per day | 8 to 32 mg once per day or divided and taken twice per day | 32 mg once per day or divided and taken twice per day |
| heart failure | 4 mg once per day | 32 mg once per day | 32 mg once per day |
Dosages of candesartan in children
Candesartan is approved to treat high blood pressure in children and adolescents ages 1 to 17 years. The daily dose is based on age and weight expressed in kilograms (kg) and pounds (lb). The medication may be taken once per day or divided and taken twice per day. The oral suspension is prescribed for children ages 1 year to less than 6 years and older children who cannot swallow tablets. For reference 1 kg = 2.2 lb
| Age | Body weight in (kg) | Approximate body weight in (lb) | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 6 years | any weight | any weight | 0.2 mg per kg body weight, once per day | 0.05 to 0.4 mg per kg body weight, once per day or divided and taken twice per day |
| 6 to 17 years | less than 50 kg | less than 110 lb | 4 to 8 mg, once per day | 4 to 16 mg, once per day or divided and taken twice per day |
| 6 to 17 years | more than 50 kg | more than 110 lb | 8 to 16 mg, once per day | 4 to 32 mg, once per day or divided and taken twice per day |
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about candesartan oral tablet and its dosage.
What is the candesartan dosage for older adults?
The recommended candesartan dosage for older adults (ages 65 and older) is the same as that for younger adults (see the Dosage section above). But older adults may be more likely to have impaired liver function, which might lower the recommended starting dosage. Talk with your doctor for more information.
What is the candesartan 8 mg dosage used for?
Adults who have impaired liver function may be prescribed 8 milligrams (mg) candesartan once per day as a starting dosage for the treatment of high blood pressure. For the treatment of heart failure in adults, an 8 mg dosage of candesartan is between the recommended starting dosage (4 mg, once per day) and maximum dosage (32 mg, once per day).
An 8 mg per day dosage of candesartan is also within the recommended starting and maintenance dosages of the drug for the treatment of high blood pressure in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17.
Talk with your doctor for more information about what dosage of candesartan is best for you.
Candesartan coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for candesartan when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardOverdose of candesartan
It’s important that you do not take more candesartan oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of candesartan overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
What to do if you take too much candesartan
If you think you’ve taken too much candesartan, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Boxed warning for candesartan
Candesartan has a boxed warning for the risk of fetal toxicity (harm to or death of an unborn baby). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Candesartan may cause injury or death to a developing fetus. You should discontinue taking candesartan as soon as you become pregnant. Talk with your doctor to learn more.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.