Atacand

Common Brands Atacand
Drug Class
ARB
Controlled Substance Classification
Not a controlled medication
Generic Status
Lower-cost generic available
Availability
Prescription only
Allison Barnes, PharmD
Allison Barnes, PharmD
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Medically reviewed by Allison Barnes, PharmD last update on 20/12/2023

Overview

Atacand is the trade name for an antihypertensive known as candesartan cilexetil, classified under angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs). Atacand is mainly used for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It may also reduce the risk of sex in hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (an enlarged left ventricle).

Candesartan, the active substance of Atacand, antagonizes angiotensin II, a hormone that actuates vasoconstriction. 

Thus, Atacand is used to facilitate the relaxing and widening of blood vessels by inhibiting the effects of this hormone, consequently lowering the blood pressure and relieving the burden of the heart reducing the effort needed to push the blood. This helps in both hypertension and heart failure management.

DRUG STATUS

Availability

Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy