Description:

Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) by AstraZeneca is an oral angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat essential hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and children aged 1 year and older, and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in adults with heart failure and reduced left ventricular systolic function (when ACE inhibitors are not tolerated). It works by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to AT1 receptors, leading to vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, and decreased cardiac workload. In Ghana (Accra), Atacand is a well-known prescription antihypertensive available in pharmacies for long-term blood pressure control and heart failure management.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx, typically from a cardiologist, physician, or GP for hypertension or heart failure; regular blood pressure and kidney function monitoring is needed; not OTC).

Therapeutic Category:

Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) / Antihypertensive.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Candesartan cilexetil – various strengths per tablet (most common are 8 mg, 16 mg, or 32 mg).
  • Candesartan cilexetil is a prodrug that is rapidly converted to candesartan (active form) during gastrointestinal absorption. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, macrogol, titanium dioxide, iron oxides for coloring). Tablets are round, biconvex, and film-coated (color varies by strength: white/off-white for 8 mg, pink for 16 mg, pink for 32 mg).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Atacand 8 mg, 16 mg, or 32 mg film-coated tablets (most common strengths). Related variants: Atacand Plus (candesartan + hydrochlorothiazide fixed combination for hypertension), Atacand in blister packs of 14, 28, 56, or 98 tablets. The queried “Atacand” typically refers to the plain candesartan cilexetil tablets (not the Plus version).

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

Directions/Usage: Take exactly as prescribed (usually once daily).

• Hypertension: Starting dose typically 8 mg once daily; maintenance 8–32 mg once daily (can be increased to 16–32 mg if needed).
• Heart failure: Starting dose 4 mg once daily (or 8 mg); titrate slowly to target 32 mg once daily if tolerated.
• Children (1–6 years): Weight-based (0.05–0.4 mg/kg once daily; doctor determines).
• Take at the same time each day; do not stop suddenly (rebound hypertension risk).
• Monitor blood pressure regularly; effects build over 2–4 weeks.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Dizziness/lightheadedness (especially first dose or standing – orthostatic hypotension)
• Headache
• Back pain
• Upper respiratory infection symptoms
• Fatigue Other: Hyperkalemia (high potassium), renal impairment (in pre-existing kidney disease). Rare/serious (seek help): Angioedema (swelling of face/lips/throat), severe hypotension, acute kidney injury, or fetal toxicity (contraindicated in pregnancy).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 14 or 28 tablets per pack; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet; often sold as 28-tablet packs).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in pregnancy (fetal toxicity – discontinue immediately if pregnancy detected), hypersensitivity to candesartan, severe hepatic impairment, or with aliskiren in diabetes/renal impairment.
• Caution in bilateral renal artery stenosis (risk of acute kidney injury), heart failure, volume depletion, or hyperkalemia.
• Monitor renal function, electrolytes (especially potassium), and blood pressure (especially first weeks).
• Avoid potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics without monitoring.
• If swelling, severe dizziness, reduced urine output, or jaundice occurs, stop use and seek urgent care.
• Regular follow-up with doctor essential for long-term use.

Product Substitutes: Similar candesartan tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic candesartan 8 mg, 16 mg, or 32 mg (various importers).
• Blopress (Takeda original brand if stocked).
• Candesartan generics (e.g., Candesar, Candinorm). Alternatives: Losartan, valsartan, telmisartan (other ARBs), or ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril) for hypertension/heart failure. Consult cardiologist/pharmacist in Accra for switch.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

AstraZeneca (original brand holder for Atacand). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by AstraZeneca regional affiliates (AstraZeneca Ghana) or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked at outlets like Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

Varies by batch/market (original Atacand often manufactured in Sweden, UK, or other AstraZeneca facilities; generics from India commonly imported to Ghana).