What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal
doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does
not occur in everyone. Not everyone will experience side effects, and which
side effects a person experiences cannot be anticipated.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking
this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side
effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or
pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of
the medication.
- back pain
- dizziness
- flu-like symptoms
- headache
- upper airway infection (e.g., cough, runny nose)
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone at 1-800-332-1088.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Cholesterol: Cholesterol levels may increase when taking hydrochlorothiazide.
Diabetes: Hydrochlorothiazide may make it more difficult for people
with diabetes to control their blood sugar. People who have diabetes should
be cautious and monitor their blood sugar carefully while taking this medication.
Dose adjustment of antidiabetic medications, including insulin, may be needed.
Fluid and electrolyte balance: This medication can affect the levels
of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride and calcium your
doctor will periodically check to see if your electrolytes remain in balance.
Warning signs or symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance include:
- confusion
- drowsiness
- dryness of mouth
- lethargy
- low blood pressure
- muscle pains or cramps
- muscular fatigue
- nausea
- racing heart beat
- restlessness
- seizures
- thirst
- vomiting
- weakness
Gout: High levels of uric acid may occur in the blood, which can cause
gout (a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe attacks of joint pain with
redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected area) may be brought on in certain
people receiving this medication.
Kidney problems: This medication may affect the function of the kidneys,
especially for those who already have kidney problems or have severe congestive
heart failure. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function closely.
Liver problems: The ability of the body to break down this medication
may be affected in people with liver problems.
Low blood pressure: If you experience dizziness while taking this medication,
contact your doctor and have your blood pressure checked.
Lupus: This medication may worsen or activate lupus.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: This medication may pass into breast milk. If you are
a breast-feeding mother and are taking candesartan - hydrochlorothiazide, it
may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue
breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have
not been established for children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
An interaction between medications does not always mean that you must stop
taking one of them. The following medications may affect the way candesartan
- hydrochlorothiazide works, be affected by candesartan - hydrochlorothiazide,
or increase the risk of side effects:
- ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)
- alcohol
- antidiabetic medications
- barbiturates (e.g., secobarbital, phenobarbital)
- cholestyramine
- colestipol
- corticosteroids
- diuretics (also called "water pills")
- lithiummedications that increase the level of potassium in the blood (e.g.,
spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride, cyclosporine)
- narcotics (e.g., morphine, codeine)
- norepinephrine
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; e.g., naproxen, ibuprofen)
- other drugs that lower blood pressure
- potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium
If you are taking any of these or other medications (including non-prescription,
herbal, and supplement products), speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending
on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to change your therapy
or suggest ways of managing any interactions. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine
from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications,
you should let your prescriber know if you use them.