Atacand (candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This medication contains two active ingredients: candesartan cilexetil, which acts to relax the blood vessels within your body, and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that removes excess fluid from your body. In combination, these active ingredients decrease the amount of pressure your heart needs to exert to push blood throughout your body. Before beginning treatment with Atacand, speak with your doctor to discuss potential side effects that you may experience.
Dizziness
You can experience dizziness as a side effect of taking Atacand. Side effects of lightheadedness or dizziness may be most apparent when you stand or sit up, explains Drugs.com, an informational, peer-reviewed drug product website. If you experience dizziness while receiving treatment with Atacand, you may find it difficult to stand for an extended period of time or may become abnormally unstable when you attempt to walk. Episodes of dizziness associated with Atacand use are typically temporary and may subside with recurrent treatment. To prevent further injury from tripping or falling, be sure to sit down if you experience dizziness and allow this sensation to pass before attempting to walk.
Back Pain
During treatment with Atacand, you can develop abnormal sensations of pain within your back. In clinical trials for Atacand, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that 3.3 percent of patients receiving treatment with this medication experienced back pain as a side effect. In contrast, only 2.4 percent of patients receiving placebo (sugar pill) reported similar side effects. Back pain may cause discomfort during prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
Flu-Like Symptoms
While receiving Atacand treatment, you may experience flu-like symptoms as side effects of this medication. Such symptoms include body aches, fatigue, fever, nasal congestion or headache. Flu-like side effects are typically temporary and subside with recurrent Atacand treatment.
Respiratory Infection
Treatment with Atacand can increase your risk of developing a respiratory infection as a side effect of this medication. The FDA reports that 3.6 percent of patients receiving Atacand treatment during clinical trials developed an upper respiratory tract infection. In contrast, 3 percent of patients receiving placebo developed similar side effects. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection can include coughing, chest or nasal congestion, runny nose or sneezing. Seek medical care if you develop such side effects, as you may require additional medical treatment to resolve these symptoms.
Skin Tingling
Atacand treatment can cause you to experience abnormal sensations across your skin as a side effect of this medication. Such skin sensations can include numbness, tingling or pins-and-needles. Skin-related side effects of Atacand are temporary and typically subside with recurrent treatment with this medication.
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