Candesartan Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 21, 2024.

Applies to candesartan: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury or death to the developing fetus.

Stop therapy as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected.

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:

Less common side effects

• ear congestion or pain
• head congestion
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing

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:

Rare side effects

• arm, back, or jaw pain
• bleeding gums
• chest pain or discomfort
• chest tightness or heaviness
• chills
• cough or hoarseness
• dizziness
• fainting
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fever
• joint pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• lightheadedness
• lower back or side pain
• nausea
• nosebleeds
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• painful or difficult urination
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• vomiting

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach pain
• black, tarry stools
• bloody urine
• coma
• confusion
• convulsions
• dark urine
• decreased urine output
• difficult or troubled breathing
• general feeling of tiredness or weakness
• headache
• hives or welts
• increased blood pressure
• increased thirst
• itching
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite
• muscle pain or cramps
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• pale skin
• redness of the skin
• skin rash
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• weakness or heaviness of the legs
• weight gain
• yellow eyes or skin

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]

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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer