Atacand Plus 16/12.5mg is a prescription combination medication used to treat high blood pressure (essential hypertension) when single-drug therapy is not enough.
Active Ingredients
The "16/12.5mg" strength denotes a specific fixed-dose pairing of two distinct blood pressure medications:
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Candesartan cilexetil (16mg): An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It relaxes and widens your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.
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Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5mg): A thiazide diuretic or "water pill". It helps your kidneys eliminate excess water and salt through urine, which reduces overall blood volume.
How to Take It
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Dosage: The standard dose is one tablet taken once daily.
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Timing: You can take it with or without food, but try to take it at approximately the same time every day. Because it contains a diuretic, taking it in the morning is highly recommended to prevent waking up during the night to urinate.
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Missed Dose: If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember within 12 hours. If more than 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose completely. Never take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.
Important Safety Considerations
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Pregnancy: This medication must not be taken during pregnancy. ARBs like candesartan can cause serious harm or death to an unborn baby.
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Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can cause an unsafe drop in your blood pressure and increase dizziness.
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Common Side Effects: You may experience mild dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, flu-like symptoms, or increased sensitivity to the sun. Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions to reduce dizziness.
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Medical Guidance: Your doctor will likely want to run periodic blood tests to check your kidney function and monitor your potassium and sodium levels, which can be altered by the diuretic component.
