Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide

Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription medication that is used to lower high blood pressure in adults. Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medications -- candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide -- and has been shown to cause a greater drop in blood pressure than if either medication was used by itself. Possible side effects of this drug include dizziness, back pain, and upper respiratory infection. It is important to take candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide exactly as it is prescribed in order for it to work properly.

Candesartan HCl

What Is Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

Candesartan cilexetil-hydrochlorothiazide (Atacand HCT^®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide has not been approved for use in children.

Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide is manufactured by AstraZeneca.

(Click What Is Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide Used For? for more information on what candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

How Does Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide Work?

Candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medicines -- candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

Candesartan is a newer type of blood pressure medicine known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB for short. Candesartan blocks angiotensin II receptors, thus decreasing the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, candesartan causes blood vessels to relax.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.

Because of the effects of both candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide, candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide can lower blood pressure. Because of its combined effects, candesartan-hydrochlorothiazide causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.

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