Description:

Atacand (candesartan cilexetil) with hydrochlorothiazide (often marketed as Atacand Plus or Candesartan/HCTZ by Cheplapharm) is a fixed-dose combination tablet used to treat essential hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults when candesartan or hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy is not sufficient. It combines an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) for vasodilation and blood pressure reduction with a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) to promote sodium and water excretion, providing additive antihypertensive effects. This reduces the risk of cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack in hypertensive patients.

Prescription:

Prescription-only.

Therapeutic Category:

Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker + Thiazide Diuretic Combination (Fixed-dose antihypertensive.

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each tablet contains:

• Candesartan cilexetil – 16 mg or 32 mg (prodrug converted to candesartan, selective AT1 receptor blocker).
• Hydrochlorothiazide – 12.5 mg or 25 mg (thiazide diuretic). Common strengths: 16 mg/12.5 mg or 32 mg/12.5 mg (or 32 mg/25 mg in some markets). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, croscarmellose sodium, povidone, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, macrogol, titanium dioxide, iron oxides). Tablets are film-coated (color varies by strength: white/off-white or pink).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Atacand Plus (candesartan cilexetil + hydrochlorothiazide) tablets in strengths like 16 mg/12.5 mg or 32 mg/12.5 mg (common). Related variants: Plain Atacand (candesartan alone), higher-dose combinations (e.g., 32 mg/25 mg), or generics under Cheplapharm branding in various markets. The queried “atacand candesartan cilexetil hydrochlorothiazide chepla pharm” refers to Cheplapharm-marketed Atacand Plus or equivalent generic fixed-dose tablets.

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).

• Adults: 1 tablet once daily (starting at 16 mg/12.5 mg; may increase to 32 mg/12.5 mg or 32 mg/25 mg if needed for BP control).
• Take at the same time each day; with or without food (food does not significantly affect absorption).
• Duration: Long-term (often lifelong) for hypertension; do not stop suddenly (rebound hypertension risk).
• Monitor blood pressure regularly; doctor may adjust dose based on response and electrolytes.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Dizziness/light-headedness (especially first dose or standing – orthostatic hypotension)
• Headache
• Back pain
• Upper respiratory infection symptoms
• Fatigue
• Hyperkalaemia (high potassium) or hypokalaemia (low potassium from HCTZ) Other: Nausea, cough (less common than ACE inhibitors). Rare/serious (seek help): Angioedema (swelling of face/lips/throat), severe hypotension, acute kidney injury, electrolyte imbalance (e.g., low sodium), or gout exacerbation (from HCTZ).

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/HCTZ/sulfonamides, anuria, severe renal impairment, or with aliskiren in diabetes/renal impairment.
• Caution in bilateral renal artery stenosis (risk of acute kidney injury), heart failure, volume depletion, gout, diabetes, or hepatic impairment.
• Monitor renal function, electrolytes (especially potassium and sodium), and blood pressure (especially first weeks).
• HCTZ component may cause photosensitivity (use sunscreen) or increase uric acid (gout risk).
• Avoid potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics without monitoring.
• If swelling, severe dizziness, reduced urine output, jaundice, or muscle weakness occurs, stop use and seek urgent care.
• Regular follow-up with doctor essential for long-term use.

Product Substitutes: Similar candesartan + hydrochlorothiazide tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic candesartan/HCTZ 16 mg/12.5 mg or 32 mg/12.5 mg (various importers).
• Cheplapharm Atacand Plus (same product under Cheplapharm branding in some markets).
• Other brands like Candesartan Plus or local generics. Alternatives: Losartan + HCTZ (e.g., Cozaar Plus generics), telmisartan + HCTZ, or separate candesartan + diuretic. Consult cardiologist/pharmacist in Accra for switch.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH (Germany; acquired commercial rights to Atacand Plus from AstraZeneca in many markets, including regions like Africa/Ghana). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by Cheplapharm or local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked at outlets like Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

Varies by batch/market (original Atacand Plus often manufactured in Sweden/UK by AstraZeneca facilities; Cheplapharm-marketed generics from Germany or licensed partners, commonly imported from India to Ghana).