What is the most important information I should know about Atacand?

• Do not take Atacand if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Atacand can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Rarely, Atacand may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Atacand.

What is Atacand?

• Atacand is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Atacand prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries).
• Atacand is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure.
• Atacand may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Atacand?

• Before taking Atacand, tell your doctor if you
  • have kidney disease;
  • have liver disease; or
  • are taking potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others), or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).
• You may not be able to take Atacand, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Atacand is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to harm an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Atacand can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Do not take Atacand if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• It is not known whether Atacand passes into breast milk. Do not take Atacand without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Atacand?

• Take Atacand exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
• Atacand can be taken with or without food.
• Do not stop taking Atacand without first talking to your doctor. Stopping the medication may cause a return of your symptoms.
• Store Atacand at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a Atacand overdose are not well known but might include dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking Atacand?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Rarely, Atacand may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Atacand.
• Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Atacand can affect potassium levels in the body.

What are the possible side effects of Atacand?

• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Atacand and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment.
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
  • little or no urine.
• Other side effects are less serious. Continue to take Atacand and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • headache,
  • dizziness,
  • fatigue,
  • diarrhea or upset stomach,
  • muscle or joint pain or cramps,
  • insomnia, or
  • congestion or cough.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Atacand?

• Before taking Atacand, tell your doctor if you
  • take a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;
  • take a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide); or
  • use a salt substitute.
• Atacand can affect potassium levels in the body. You may not be able to take Atacand, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the products listed above.
• Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take to treat high blood pressure or other heart conditions. Atacand may cause very low blood pressure if it is taken with other heart medications.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Atacand or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.