Candesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide are combined in this medicine.
This medicine helps to keep your blood pressure under control.
Take Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or sulfonamide-derived medicines (medicines used to treat certain infections).
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- inability to pass urine
- gout (high uric acid level in the blood)
- low or high potassium level or high calcium level in the blood that does not respond to treatment
- severe liver disease, including cholestasis (a condition in which the flow of bile from the liver is slowed or blocked)
- severe kidney disease
as Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide.
Do not take Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren (medicine used to treat high blood pressure) if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- low volume of fluid in the body or fluid loss caused by water pills, dietary salt restriction, diarrhoea, or vomiting
- heart disease e.g. narrowing of the heart valves, thickened heart muscle, heart failure
- diabetes
- history of skin cancer
- systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- primary hyperaldosteronism (disorder of the adrenal glands)
- mild to moderate liver disease
- mild to moderate kidney disease
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart, and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness or weariness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, vertigo, weakness, back pain and flu-like symptoms.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- suspicious skin lesions
- reduced visual acuity (clarity or sharpness of vision) or eye pain
- signs and symptoms of low blood pressure e.g. blurred or fading vision, dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, tiredness, nausea, trouble concentrating
- irregular or fast heartbeat, convulsions or seizures, abdominal cramps, muscle cramps or weakness, headache, numbness and tingling sensation
Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide together with aliskiren (medicine to treat high blood pressure) especially if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. diclofenac, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen
- lithium (medicines to treat depression)
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. colestyramine, colestipol
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- medicines or supplements containing potassium
- water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride
- medicines for cancer e.g. cyclophosphamide, methotrexate
- strong painkillers
- medicines to treat sleep disorders, anxiety, or seizures
- norepinephrine (medicine used to control blood pressure)
- amantadine (medicine to treat Parkinson's disease, a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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