Most people tolerate candesartan well, and when side effects do occur, they are usually minor. The most common side effects of candesartan can include upper respiratory infection, dizziness, back pain, low blood pressure, and increased potassium levels. People who are taking candesartan should notify their healthcare provider immediately if they develop more serious side effects, such as itching, wheezing, or an unexplained rash.
An Overview of Candesartan Side Effects
As with any medication, there are possible side effects associated with
candesartan (
Atacand®). However, not everyone who takes candesartan will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate candesartan well. When side effects do occur, in many cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or a healthcare provider. Serious side effects can occur, but are less common.
(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with candesartan. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of candesartan side effects with you.)
Common Candesartan Side Effects
There have been extensive clinical trials that have evaluated thousands of people worldwide who were taking candesartan. In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common candesartan side effects include:
- Low blood pressure -- occurring in up to 19 percent of people with congestive heart failure. This is not a common side effect in people with high blood pressure.
- Increased potassium levels in the blood -- in up to 6.3 percent of people with congestive heart failure. This is not a common side effect in people with high blood pressure.
- An upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold or flu -- up to 6 percent of people.
- Dizziness -- up to 4 percent.
- Back pain -- up to 3 percent.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print