Candesartan

Introduction

Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Updated on November 29, 2023

Candesartan (kan de SAR tan) is a generic medication prescribed for high blood pressure in adults and certain children. Doctors also prescribe it for heart failure in adults. Candesartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).

Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm

Candesartan oral tablet has a boxed warning about the risk of fetal harm. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for candesartan” section.

Side effects of candesartan

Candesartan may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of candesartan and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about candesartan’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for candesartan listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with candesartan are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about candesartan’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for candesartan listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Candesartan oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• back pain
• dizziness
• headache
• sore throat
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for candesartan” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of candesartan are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about candesartan’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for candesartan listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, candesartan’s serious side effects include:

• high potassium levels
• low blood pressure that can cause dizziness or fainting
• problems with kidney function
• boxed warning(s): risk of fetal harm*
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about these side effects, see the “Interactions and warnings for candesartan” section.

Common questions about candesartan

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about candesartan.

What brand names are available for candesartan?

Candesartan is a generic form of the brand-name drug Atacand. Atacand is available by prescription from your doctor.

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.

To find out more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is candesartan a beta-blocker?

No, candesartan isn’t a beta-blocker. It’s an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Like beta-blockers, ARBs can treat high blood pressure and heart failure. But ARBs have a different way of working. They also have different side effects and warnings than beta-blockers.

You can learn more about the differences between beta-blockers and ARBs by talking with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does candesartan work? And how long does it take to start working?

Candesartan blocks angiotensin II receptors. (Receptors are sites on cells.) This causes blood vessels to relax, which lowers blood pressure. It also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood, so it doesn’t have to work as hard.

Candesartan will start working soon after you take it. But it can take up to 2 weeks to see its effect in lowering your blood pressure. It can take up to 6 weeks for you to see its maximum effect on blood pressure.

If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Uses of candesartan

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as candesartan for certain conditions. Approved uses for candesartan are described below.

Use for high blood pressure

Doctors may prescribe candesartan oral tablet for treating high blood pressure. It’s used for this purpose in children ages 1 year and older and adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With high blood pressure, you usually don’t see any symptoms. But having high blood pressure puts you at risk of serious problems, such as heart attack and stroke. These conditions can be fatal. Lowering blood pressure with medications, such as candesartan, can help prevent these life threatening problems.

Candesartan can be prescribed together with other medications for high blood pressure.

Use for heart failure

Doctors may prescribe candesartan oral tablet for treating heart failure. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With heart failure, the heart doesn’t work as well as it should. It has difficulty pumping enough blood to the organs and tissues. This can cause symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath. These symptoms can become very serious and even life threatening. Taking candesartan can lower the risk of hospitalization or death in people with heart failure.

Interactions and warnings for candesartan

Below, you’ll find information about candesartan’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of candesartan

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take candesartan, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for candesartan” section below.

Warnings for candesartan

Some people should not take candesartan, and others should take it cautiously.

Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm

Candesartan has a boxed warning about the risk of fetal harm. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more about this risk, see the “Pregnancy or breastfeeding and candesartan” section below.

Other warnings

Candesartan could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether candesartan is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for candesartan, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Candesartan can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to candesartan or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe candesartan. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to candesartan, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of candesartan

You should not take more candesartan than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

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 concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and candesartan

Information about candesartan and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Candesartan and pregnancy

Candesartan should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with candesartan.

Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm. Candesartan has a boxed warning about the risk of fetal harm. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Taking candesartan during pregnancy can cause harm or death to the fetus. If you become pregnant while taking candesartan, tell your doctor immediately and stop taking candesartan as soon as possible.

If you have concerns about becoming pregnant during candesartan treatment, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend another treatment or birth control options.

To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Candesartan and breastfeeding

Candesartan should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with candesartan.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about candesartan or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• What is the most important information I should know about candesartan?
• How does candesartan compare with other medications that could treat my condition?
• How should I take candesartan?

Resources

• Candesartan cilexetil tablets, for oral use. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/8ceb5658-b03c-475d-9ef0-2cd0645191d3/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

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.