Description:

Atacand Plus 32mg/25mg is a fixed-dose combination antihypertensive medication containing candesartan cilexetil (an angiotensin II receptor blocker – ARB) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic). It is used to treat essential hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults when blood pressure is not adequately controlled with candesartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone. The combination provides additive blood pressure lowering by relaxing blood vessels (ARB) and reducing fluid volume (diuretic).

Prescription:

Prescription-only.

Therapeutic Category:

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

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each film-coated tablet contains:

• Candesartan cilexetil – 32 mg
• Hydrochlorothiazide – 25 mg Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol, and iron oxides (for coloring). Tablets are usually white to off-white, oval, film-coated, and debossed with strength.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None (contains sodium from excipients, but not therapeutic).

Variant:

• Atacand Plus 32mg/25mg tablets (higher-dose combination). Related variants: Atacand Plus 16mg/12.5mg and 8mg/12.5mg (lower strengths), or candesartan monotherapy. The 32mg/25mg strength is used when higher blood pressure control is needed.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew).

Directions/Usage:

• Adults: 1 tablet once daily.
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Take at the same time each day for consistent blood pressure control.
• Duration: Long-term (often lifelong) for hypertension; do not stop suddenly without medical advice (rebound hypertension risk).
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure, electrolytes (especially potassium), and renal function is required.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing).
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.
• Increased uric acid (gout risk from hydrochlorothiazide).
• Low potassium (hypokalemia), increased creatinine. Rare/serious (seek help): Severe hypotension, angioedema (swelling of face/lips/throat), acute kidney injury, electrolyte imbalance, or severe skin reactions.

Package Type:

Blister packs (typically 28 or 30 tablets per pack; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet and dosing guide).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from moisture and light. Keep tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in pregnancy (fetal toxicity – stop immediately if pregnancy occurs), hypersensitivity to candesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfonamides, severe renal/hepatic impairment, anuria, or hypokalemia/hypercalcemia.
• Caution in bilateral renal artery stenosis (risk of acute kidney injury), heart failure, gout, diabetes, or volume depletion.
• Hydrochlorothiazide component increases risk of skin cancer with long-term use (use sunscreen, avoid excessive sun).
• Monitor renal function, electrolytes (especially potassium), and blood pressure regularly.
• Avoid potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics without monitoring.
• If swelling, severe dizziness, reduced urine output, muscle weakness, or severe headache occurs, seek immediate care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

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

• Generic candesartan/HCTZ 32mg/25mg tablets (various importers).
• Atacand Plus (original AstraZeneca brand, higher price if stocked).
• Other brands like Candesartan Plus or local generics. Alternatives: Losartan + HCTZ, valsartan + HCTZ, irbesartan + HCTZ, or separate candesartan + diuretic. Consult cardiologist/physician in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Chepla Pharm.

Country of Origin:

India.