Candesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets

Category: Combination antihypertensive therapy (Angiotensin II receptor blocker + Thiazide diuretic)
Form: Oral tablets

Uses:

• Treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) in patients who need more than one medicine to achieve control.

• Helps reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, and heart failure progression related to uncontrolled blood pressure.

Mechanism of Action:

• Candesartan: Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) → blocks angiotensin II at AT1 receptors → causes vasodilation, reduced vascular resistance, and less aldosterone-mediated sodium retention.

• Hydrochlorothiazide: Thiazide diuretic → increases sodium, chloride, and water excretion through the kidneys → reduces blood volume and lowers blood pressure.

• Combination effect: stronger blood pressure control through vessel relaxation + volume reduction.

Administration:

• Taken once daily by mouth, with or without food.

• Dose is tailored depending on blood pressure response.

Side Effects:

• Common: dizziness, headache, fatigue.

• From candesartan: low blood pressure, high potassium (hyperkalemia), kidney function changes.

• From hydrochlorothiazide: low potassium (hypokalemia), low sodium (hyponatremia), increased uric acid (may trigger gout), increased blood sugar or cholesterol in some patients.

• Rare: allergic reactions, angioedema, severe electrolyte imbalance.

Precautions:

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Monitor kidney function, electrolytes (potassium, sodium), and blood pressure regularly.

• Caution in patients with kidney disease, liver disease, gout, diabetes, or dehydration.

• Avoid combining with other medicines that raise potassium or strongly affect kidney function without medical supervision.

Summary:
Candesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets combine an angiotensin II receptor blocker (candesartan) and a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) to provide effective blood pressure reduction. The ARB relaxes blood vessels, while the diuretic removes excess fluid and sodium. This dual action improves blood pressure control, but requires careful monitoring of kidney function and electrolytes.