Candesartan is a medication that treats hypertension. It can help reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. It can also treat types of heart failure in adults. It can be used in adults and children who are at least 1 year old.

Inform your doctor of your medical history before taking candesartan, especially if you’ve had kidney or liver disease, heart problems, are on a low-salt diet, or are dehydrated. If a child is having trouble swallowing this medicine, tell your doctor. Inform your surgeon beforehand that you take candesartan if you need surgery. It may take up to 4 weeks for blood pressure to be controlled; contact your doctor if blood pressure doesn’t improve after 2 weeks.

Do not use candesartan if you are allergic, are pregnant, or have diabetes and are using candesartan in conjunction with a drug that contains aliskiren. Do not breast-feed while on this medicine. Avoid getting up too quickly. Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes without your doctor’s approval.

You may have very low blood pressure during candesartan treatment – contact your doctor if you feel sick, vomit, have diarrhea, or sweat more than usual. Get immediate medical help if you suspect an allergic reaction or overdose. Contact your doctor immediately if you encounter a serious side effect such as: lightheadedness, fast/slow heartbeats, unusual muscle pain or weakness, symptoms of excessive potassium levels, or symptoms of a kidney issue. You may also experience side effects like headache, back pain, dizziness, and cold symptoms. Candesartan may interact with other blood pressure medications, diuretics, lithium, and NSAIDs (including ibuprofen and naproxen).