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Candesartan HCTZ
Adults with high blood pressure (known medically as hypertension) may be prescribed the drug candesartan cilexetil-hydrochlorothiazide (Atacand HCT®). This product comes in tablet form and is generally taken once a day, either with or without food. Although most people tolerate it well, side effects are possible and can include dizziness and back pain.
This medication works by both causing blood vessels to relax and increasing the amount of salt and water removed by the kidneys. Because of these combined effects, candesartan HCTZ causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either active ingredient is used alone.
(Click Candesartan-Hydrochlorothiazide for more information on this product, including dosing guidelines and what to do in cases of overdose. An explanation of blood pressure and how it is measured is also included.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD