What is Atacand?
Atacand is a daily treatment for hypertension. It’s an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (sometimes called an ‘ARB’) that relaxes your blood vessels to treat high blood pressure. ARBs are usually recommended for:
- people who have had side effects, such as a persistent dry cough, when using ACE inhibitor medication; or:
- younger patients.
They’re not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People of Black African or Caribbean origin may be less responsive to ARBs, so they aren’t usually considered a first-choice option for these groups.
How does Atacand work?
Candesartan, the active ingredient in Atacand, is an angiotensin receptor blocker. It works by blocking the reaction that causes the smooth muscles to narrow. Doing this allows the blood vessels to widen, making it easier for blood to flow through without resistance, which helps lower blood pressure.[1]
Additionally, it prevents fluid retention. This means less water is held in your blood, decreasing blood volume. As a result, less force is needed to pump the smaller volume of blood around the body, further lowering blood pressure.[1]
Is there a generic version of Atacand?
Yes, there is a generic version of Atacand called Candesartan. Both the branded version and the generic one are equally effective. The primary differences include the manufacturing company, packaging, and price – usually the generic version is cheaper.
Will I get side effects with Atacand?
Like all medicines, Atacand can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. The most common are:
- Dizziness
- Respiratory infections
- Headache
- Low blood pressure
- Back pain
- Sore throat
In some people, their potassium levels may increase. This can lead to kidney and heart problems. If you notice any changes in your heart rate or feel more tired than usual, contact your doctor straight away.
Can I drink alcohol on Atacand?
It’s best to limit alcohol while on Atacand. Alcohol can cause your blood pressure to increase over the long term, so may counteract the effect of the treatment. But alcohol can cause your blood pressure to fluctuate in the short-term, so drinking it while on Atacand can also result in very low blood pressure. Contact your doctor for more information on whether drinking alcohol is suitable for you.
What doses of Atacand are there?
Atacand comes in one dose of 8 mg. The initial dose is 8 mg daily; this can be increased to a maximum of 32 mg if your doctor thinks it’s necessary.
Treated trusted source:
- Bulsara KG, et al. Candesartan. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
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