Candesartan, candesartan cilexetil, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, hydrochlorothiazide, diuretic, antihypertensive, antihypertensiveAtacand PLUS® is a drug for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It is a combined preparation of the two active ingredients candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Candesartan dilates the blood vessels, while hydrochlorothiazide has a draining effect.
Both lead to a decrease in blood pressure. Atacand PLUS is usually administered when blood pressure could not be brought under control by therapy with mono-preparations (e.g. only candesartan). The two active substances candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide have a complementary effect on lowering blood pressure.
Candesartan cilexetil is a prodrug which is only converted into the active form when passing through the gastrointestinal tract and can then develop its full effect as candesartan. Candesartan is an angiotensin I receptor antagonist. Angiotensin II plays an important role in the RAAS, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
This system is responsible for regulating blood pressure and water balance in the human body. Angiotensin II leads to a narrowing of the blood vessels and an increased release of aldosterone in the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone now retains more sodium and water in the body, which are no longer excreted via the kidneys.
Both processes cause an increase in blood pressure in the body. The effect of angiotensin II is mediated by angiotensin I receptors. If these are now inhibited by candesartan, the blood vessels dilate and water and sodium are excreted more and blood pressure drops.
The hydrochlorothiazide has a draining effect. It inhibits the sodium-chloride cotransporter in the renal tubules, which leads to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, water and small amounts of potassium. This reduces the volume in the blood vessels and causes a drop in blood pressure.
Atacand PLUS is available as a prescription-only tablet in the following doses: 8/12.5 mg, 16/12.5 mg, 32/12.5 mg. In addition, Atacand PLUS forte is available in a 32/25 mg dosage. The first information stands for the candesartan cilexetil portion and the second information refers to the hydrochlorothiazide portion of the drug.
Atacand PLUS is always taken in consultation with the treating physician, usually one tablet per day is prescribed. This should be taken together with a few sips of water, preferably always at the same time of day. Often there are reduced sodium levels and increased or reduced potassium levels in the blood, as a result of which one feels weakness, lack of energy, muscle cramps occur and irregular heartbeat can occur.
In addition, higher levels of cholesterol, sugar or uric acid can occur in the blood. Dizziness, headaches and also respiratory tract infections are not uncommon. Occasional side effects are loss of appetite, diarrhoea, constipation, nausea and vomiting, skin rash and drop in blood pressure.
In rare cases, taking Atacand PLUS® can affect kidney function, lead to sleep disturbances, cause high fever, cause pancreatitis or reduce the number of red and white blood cells and platelets, resulting in a general weakness of the immune system and susceptibility to infection. Very rare are allergic reactions or inflammation of the liver. Atacand PLUS® should not be prescribed if the patient is known to be suffering from: in the blood Children and pregnant women must also not be treated with the combined preparation.
Special care should be taken during treatment in case of kidney and liver dysfunction, heart valve defects, coronary heart disease, diabetes, syst. lupus erythematosus, Conn syndrome and previous stroke. – Allergy to any of the active ingredients
- Severe kidney/gallophine/liver dysfunction
- Chronic potassium deficiency
- Calcium surplus
Eprosartan+ hydrochlorothiazide (e.g.
Emestar plus®, Teveten plus®), irbesartan + hydrochlorothiazide (e.g. CoAprovel®), losartan + hydrochlorothiazide (e.g. Lorzaar plus®) , telmisartan + hydrochlorothiazide (e.g. Micardis plus®)