Candesartan / Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 1, 2024.

Applies to candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby, especially in your second or third trimester. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away. You may need to stop using this medicine.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur after the first dose, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you dizzy or not alert. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning.

Check with your doctor right away if you experience confusion, dizziness, muscle pain, weakness, or a fast heartbeat. Drink more fluids when you exercise or if the weather is hot. Heavy sweating or diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration (loss of too much water) or electrolyte imbalances (loss of sodium in the body). Check with your doctor if you become sick with severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision, difficulty in reading, eye pain, or any other change in vision occurs during or after treatment. Your doctor may want an eye doctor to check your eyes.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.

Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine. Tell your doctor if you are drinking alcohol or using pain relievers or sleeping pills.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients may notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, confusion, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, trouble breathing, or weakness or heaviness of the legs. Do not use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium without first checking with your doctor.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting skin cancer (eg, non-melanoma skin cancer). Avoid sun exposure. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes prescription or over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide:

Other side effects

Some side effects of candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to candesartan / hydrochlorothiazide: oral tablet.

Respiratory adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infection, respiratory infection, bronchitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, cough

Candesartan:

• Frequency not reported: Cough, rhinitis

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Pneumonitis, pulmonary edema^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypokalemia, dyslipidemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperkalemia

Candesartan:

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hyponatremia, hyperkalemia

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Anorexia, loss of appetite, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, cholesterol increased, triglycerides increased^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, nausea
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting

Candesartan:

• Frequency not reported: Diarrhea

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Gastric irritation, diarrhea, constipation
• Postmarketing reports: Sialadenitis, cramping^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza-like symptoms, inflicted injury
• Frequency not reported: Fatigue

Candesartan:

• Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Fever, weakness, vertigo^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache

Candesartan:

• Postmarketing reports: Somnolence

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Lightheadedness, paresthesia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Atrioventricular block

Candesartan:

• Postmarketing reports: Palpitations

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Vasculitis, postural hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain
• Postmarketing reports: Myalgia

Candesartan:

• Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Muscle spasm^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Glycosuria
• Postmarketing reports: Impotence^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Candesartan:

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, rash

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Photosensitivity reactions, rash, cutaneous lupus erythematosus-like reactions, reactivation of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, urticaria, cutaneous vasculitis, toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Postmarketing reports: Purpura, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis, alopecia^[Ref]

Hematologic

Candesartan:

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Leucopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Leucopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, bone marrow depression^[Ref]

Hepatic

Candesartan:

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Liver enzymes increased, abnormal hepatic function, hepatitis

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice, pancreatitis^[Ref]

Renal

Candesartan:

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Renal impairment, renal failure

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: BUN increased, serum creatinine increased, renal dysfunction, interstitial nephritis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Candesartan:

• Postmarketing reports: Agitation, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness, sleep disorder, nightmare

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Restlessness, sleep disturbances, depression^[Ref]

Ocular

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Transient blurred vision, acute myopia, acute angle-closure glaucoma, xanthopsia^[Ref]

Immunologic

Hydrochlorothiazide:

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reactions^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Candesartan/hydrochlorothiazide side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer