Candesartan Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 11, 2024.

Applies to candesartan: oral tablet.

Precautions

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

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. 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.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position or 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 are 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 or your child become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water or salt and may lead to low blood pressure. You can also lose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather.

Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking this medicine.

Ask your doctor before you use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Black patients may have a smaller response to the blood pressure-lowering effects of candesartan.

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

Common side effects of candesartan

Some side effects of candesartan 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:

Serious side effects of candesartan

Along with its needed effects, candesartan 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to candesartan: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common side effects were upper respiratory tract infection, dizziness, back pain, pharyngitis, and rhinitis.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, rhinitis, nasopharyngitis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cough^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Renal impairment, creatinine increased, urea increased^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Somnolence^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, sinus arrhythmia
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Palpitations^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): ALT increased
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abnormal liver function, AST increased
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatitis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyponatremia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Arthralgia, myalgia
• Frequency not reported: Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Pruritus, urticaria^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Agitation, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness, nightmare, sleep disorder^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Neutropenia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Nausea
• Frequency not reported: Oropharyngeal pain^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Angioedema^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Candesartan 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