Atacand HCT

A healthcare provider generally prescribes Atacand HCT to help lower blood pressure in adults. The drug comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day. Because Atacand HCT is a combination of two medications -- Atacand and hydrochlorothiazide -- it has been shown to cause a greater drop in blood pressure than if either medication was used alone. The Atacand works to help relax blood vessels, while the hydrochlorothiazide helps to reduce blood volume by removing more salt and water from the blood. As with any medication, Atacand HCT can cause potential side effects, such as cold or flu symptoms and dizziness.

 

What Is Atacand HCT?

Atacand HCT® (candesartan cilexetil-hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Atacand HCT has not been approved for use in children.
 
Atacand HCT is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
 
(Click Atacand HCT Uses for more information on what Atacand HCT is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Atacand HCT Work?

Atacand HCT is a combination of two medicines -- Atacand® and hydrochlorothiazide.
 Atacand is a newer type of blood pressure medicine known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB for short. As the name of its drug class implies, Atacand blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Atacand causes blood vessels to relax.
 
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.
 
Because of the effects of both Atacand and hydrochlorothiazide, Atacand HCT can lower blood pressure. Because of its combined effects, Atacand HCT causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.
 
(Atacand HCT Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;