atacand
Pharmaranks rates Atacand 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Atacand (Candesartan Cilexetil) is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker used to treat Diabetic Nephropathies, Heart Failure, Hypertension, Left Ventricular Dysfunction.
Candesartan Cilexetil · by Ani Pharms
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Candesartan Cilexetil
- Drug class
- Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker
- Form
- Tablet
- Strength
- Candesartan Cilexetil 16MG · Candesartan Cilexetil 32MG · Candesartan Cilexetil 4MG · Candesartan Cilexetil 8MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- diabetic nephropathies, heart failure, hypertension
- Manufacturer
- Ani Pharms
- What the pharmacy pays
- ~$16.27 for 30 — not your price
- FDA application
- NDA020838
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Atacand?
From the FDA label:Candesartan cilexetil, a prodrug, is hydrolyzed to candesartan during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Candesartan is a selective AT 1 subtype angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Candesartan cilexetil, a nonpeptide, is chemically described as (±)-1-Hydroxyethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[ p-(o -1 H -tetrazol-5-ylphenyl)benzyl]-7-benzimidazolecarboxylate, cyclohexyl carbonate (ester). Its empirical formula is C 33 H 34 N 6 O 6 , and its structural formula is Candesartan cilexetil is a white to off-white powder with a molecular weight of 610.67. It is practically insoluble in water and sparingly soluble in methanol. Candesartan cilexetil is a racemic mixture containing one chiral center at the cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy ethyl ester group. Following oral administration, candesartan cilexetil undergoes hydrolysis at the ester link to form the active drug, candesartan, which is achiral. Candesartan cilexetil is available for oral use as tablets containing either 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, or 32 mg of candesartan cilexetil and the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyethylene glycol, lactose, corn starch, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, and magnesium stearate. Ferric oxide (reddish brown) is added to the 8-mg, 16-mg, and 32-mg tablets as a colorant. structural formula
How to use
Starting Dose Target Dose Adult Hypertension (2.1) 16 mg tablet once daily 8 - 32 mg tablet total daily dose Pediatric Hypertension (1 to < 6 years) (2.2) 0.20 mg/kg oral suspension once daily 0.05 - 0.4 mg/kg oral suspension once daily or consider divided dose Pediatric Hypertension (6 to < 17 years) (2.2) < 50 kg 4 – 8 mg tablet once daily > 50 kg 8 – 16 mg tablet once daily < 50 kg 4 – 16 mg tablet once daily or consider divided dose > 50 kg 4 – 32 mg tablet once daily or consider divided dose Adult Heart Failure (2.3) 4 mg tablet once daily 32 mg tablet once daily 1 1 The target dose is 32 mg once daily, which is achieved by doubling the dose at approximately 2-week intervals, as tolerated by patient. 2.1 Adult Hypertension Dosage must be individualized. Blood pressure response is dose related over the range of 2 to 32 mg. The usual recommended starting dose of candesartan cilexetil is 16 mg once daily when it is used as monotherapy in patients who are not volume depleted. Candesartan cilexetil can be administered once or twice daily with total daily doses ranging from 8 mg to 32 mg. Larger doses do not appear to have a greater effect, and there is relatively little experience with such doses. Most of the antihypertensive effect is present within 2 weeks, and maximal blood pressure reduction is generally obtained within 4 to 6 weeks of treatment with candesartan cilexetil.…
Side effects
Most common adverse reactions which caused adult patients to discontinue therapy for: Hypertension were headache (0.6%) and dizziness (0.3%) ( 6.1 ). Heart Failure were hypotension (4.1%) (5.3), abnormal renal function (6.3%) (5.4), and hyperkalemia (2.4%) ( 5.5 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-855-204-1431 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adult Hypertension Candesartan cilexetil has been evaluated for safety in more than 3600 patients/subjects, including more than 3200 patients treated for hypertension. About 600 of these patients were studied for at least 6 months and about 200 for at least 1 year. In general, treatment with candesartan cilexetil was well tolerated. The overall incidence of adverse events reported with candesartan cilexetil was similar to placebo. The rate of withdrawals due to adverse events in all trials in patients (7510 total) was 3.3% (i.e., 108 of 3260) of patients treated with candesartan cilexetil as monotherapy and 3.5% (i.e., 39 of 1106) of patients treated with placebo. In…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
When pregnancy is detected, discontinue candesartan cilexetil as soon as possible [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )]. WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue candesartan cilexetil as soon as possible. ( 5.1 , 8.1 ) Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. ( 5.1 , 8.1 )
Warnings
Important safety information
Observe for signs and symptoms of hypotension (5.3) . Monitor renal function (5.4) and potassium levels (5.5) . 5.1 Fetal Toxicity Candesartan cilexetil can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. Resulting oligohydramnios can be associated with fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal deformations. Potential neonatal adverse effects include skull hypoplasia, anuria, hypotension, renal failure and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue candesartan cilexetil as soon as possible [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. 5.2 Morbidity in Infants Children < 1 year of age must not receive candesartan cilexetil for hypertension. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can have effects on the development of immature kidneys. 5.3 Hypotension Candesartan cilexetil can cause symptomatic hypotension. Symptomatic hypotension is most likely to occur in patients who have been volume and/or salt depleted as a result of prolonged diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, dialysis, diarrhea, or vomiting. Patients with symptomatic hypotension may require temporarily reducing the dose of candesartan cilexetil, diuretic or both, and volume repletion. Volume and/or salt depletion should be corrected before initiating therapy with candesartan cilexetil. In the CHARM program (heart failure patients), hypotension was reported in 18.8% of patients on candesartan cilexetil versus 9.8% of patients on placebo. The incidence of hypotension leading to drug discontinuation in candesartan cilexetil-treated patients was 4.1% compared with 2.0% in placebo-treated patients. In the CHARM-Added program, where candesartan or placebo was given in addition to ACE inhibitors, hypotension was reported in 22.6% of patients treated with candesartan cilexetil versus 13.8% treated with placebo [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ] . Monitoring of blood pressure is recommended during dose escalation and periodically thereafter. Major Surgery/Anesthesia Hypotension may occur during major surgery and anesthesia in patients treated with angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including candesartan cilexetil, due to blockade of the renin-angiotensin system. Very rarely, hypotension may be severe such that it may warrant the use of intravenous fluids and/or vasopressors. 5.4 Impaired Renal Function Monitor renal function periodically in patients treated with candesartan cilexetil. Changes in renal function including acute renal failure can be caused by drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system. Patients whose renal function may depend, in part, on the activity of the renin-angiotensin system (e.g., patient with renal artery stenosis, chronic kidney disease, severe heart failure, or volume depletion) may be at particular risk of developing oliguria, progressive azotemia or acute renal failure when treated with candesartan cilexetil. Consider withholding or discontinuing therapy in patients who develop a clinically significant decrease in renal function on candesartan cilexetil. In the CHARM program (heart failure patients), the incidence of abnormal renal function (e.g., creatinine increase) was 12.5% in patients treated with candesartan cilexetil versus 6.3% in patients treated with placebo. The incidence of abnormal renal function (e.g., creatinine increase) leading to drug discontinuation in candesartan cilexetil-treated patients was 6.3% compared with 2.9% in placebo-treated patients. In the CHARM-Added program, where candesartan or placebo was given in addition to ACE inhibitors, the incidence of abnormal renal function (e.g., creatinine increase) was 15% in patients treated with candesartan cilexetil versus 9% in patients treated with placebo [see Drug Interactions (7.3) ] . 5.5 Hyperkalemia Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system can cause hyperkalemia. Concomitant use of candesartan cilexetil with drugs that increase potassium levels may increase the risk of hyperkalemia [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . Monitor serum potassium periodically. In the CHARM program (heart failure patients), the incidence of hyperkalemia was 6.3% in patients treated with candesartan cilexetil versus 2.1% in patients treated with placebo. The incidence of hyperkalemia leading to drug discontinuation in candesartan cilexetil-treated patients was 2.4% compared with 0.6% in placebo-treated patients. In the CHARM-Added program where candesartan or placebo was given in addition to ACE inhibitors, the incidence of hyperkalemia was 9.5% in patients treated with candesartan cilexetil versus 3.5% in patients treated with placebo [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] .
Who should not take Atacand
Candesartan cilexetil is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to candesartan. Do not co-administer aliskiren with candesartan cilexetil in patients with diabetes [see Drug Interactions (7.4) ] . Known hypersensitivity to product components (4). Do not co-administer aliskiren with candesartan cilexetil in patients with diabetes (4) .
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
No lethality was observed in acute toxicity studies in mice, rats, and dogs given single oral doses of up to 2000 mg/kg of candesartan cilexetil. In mice given single oral doses of the primary metabolite, candesartan, the minimum lethal dose was greater than 1000 mg/kg but less than 2000 mg/kg. The most likely manifestation of overdosage with candesartan cilexetil would be hypotension, dizziness, and tachycardia; bradycardia could occur from parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation. If symptomatic hypotension should occur, supportive treatment should be instituted. Candesartan cannot be removed by hemodialysis. Treatment: To obtain up-to-date information about the treatment of overdose, consult your Regional Poison Control Center. Telephone numbers of certified poison control centers are listed in the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR) . In managing overdose, consider the possibilities of multiple-drug overdoses, drug-drug interactions, and altered pharmacokinetics in your patient.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Lithium: Increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity ( 7 ). NSAIDS use may lead to increased risk of renal impairment and loss of antihypertensive effect ( 7 ). Combined inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system: Increased risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia ( 7 ). 7.1 Agents Increasing Serum Potassium Co-administration of candesartan cilexetil with potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes or other drugs that raise serum potassium levels may result in hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium in such patients. 7.2 Lithium Increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including candesartan cilexetil. Monitor serum lithium levels. 7.3 Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors (COX-2 Inhibitors) In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with compromised renal function, co-administration of NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, with angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including candesartan, may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. Monitor renal function periodically in patients receiving candesartan and NSAID therapy. The antihypertensive effect of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including candesartan may be attenuated by NSAIDs including selective COX-2 inhibitors. 7.4 Combination Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) Dual blockade of the RAS with angiotensin receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and changes in renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to monotherapy. Triple combination of candesartan cilexetil with an ACE-inhibitor and a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist is generally not recommended. Closely monitor blood pressure, renal function and electrolytes in patients on candesartan cilexetil and other agents that affect the RAS. Do not co-administer aliskiren with candesartan cilexetil in patients with diabetes. Avoid use of aliskiren with candesartan cilexetil in patients with renal impairment (GFR <60 mL/min) [see Contraindications (4) ] .
Foods & drinks to be careful with
Well-established interactions for this medicine’s drug class, summarized from public health authorities. General information, not medical advice — always confirm with your pharmacist or the label.
Potassium-rich foods & salt substitutes
Watch out for: salt substitutes containing potassium, and large amounts of potassium-rich foods or supplements.
These medicines can raise blood potassium. Adding a lot of extra potassium can push it too high (hyperkalemia), which can affect the heart.
What to do: Don't use potassium-based salt substitutes unless your clinician approves, and ask before taking potassium supplements. Your clinician may check your potassium level with blood tests.
Source: Lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor) — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) · Spironolactone (a potassium-sparing diuretic) — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Drug class
How this class works, per Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB) - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Atacand ranks — best-rated angiotensin 2 receptor blocker for:
Dosage forms
Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →
Request a 90-day supply
Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.
Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
Compare alternatives
A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →
Frequently asked questions
- What does Atacand treat?
- Atacand (Candesartan Cilexetil) may be used to treat diabetic nephropathies, heart failure, hypertension, left ventricular dysfunction, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How does Atacand work?
- Atacand is a angiotensin 2 receptor blocker. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) block the AT1 receptor that the hormone angiotensin II uses to tighten blood vessels and make the body hold onto salt and water. With that receptor blocked, vessels relax and widen, so blood pressure falls.
- How is Atacand rated?
- pharmaranks gives Atacand a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- How much does Atacand cost?
- Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $16.27 for 30, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins. Pharmacies pay less for a same-class option, Arbli — about $1.00 on the same basis.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Atacand?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Atacand. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Atacand?
- Atacand is marketed by Ani Pharms. You can see Ani Pharms's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Atacand a brand-name or generic drug?
- Atacand is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Candesartan Cilexetil.
- Is Atacand available over the counter?
- No. Atacand is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Atacand come in?
- Atacand is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Atacand?
- Atacand is classified as angiotensin 2 receptor blocker, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Atacand FDA-registered?
- Atacand is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA020838. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Atacand been recalled by the FDA?
- Atacand has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Atacand safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Atacand a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Atacand?
- Atacand's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Most common adverse reactions which caused adult patients to discontinue therapy for: Hypertension were headache (0.6%) and dizziness (0.3%) ( 6.1 ). Heart Failure were hypotension (4.1%) (5.3), abnormal renal function (6.3%) (5.4), and hyperkalemia (2.4%) ( 5.5 ).… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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atacand
70/100