Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB).

Candesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 1 year old. Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Candesartan is also used in adults to treat certain types of heart failure and lower your risk of death or needing to be hospitalized for heart damage.

Candesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Candesartan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Candesartan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• little or no urination; or
• high potassium level–nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

Common side effects of candesartan may include:

• high potassium;
• headache, back pain;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat;
• dizziness; or
• abnormal kidney test.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Warnings

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using candesartan and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you have diabetes, do not take candesartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to candesartan.

If you have diabetes, do not take candesartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking candesartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a heart condition other than one being treated with candesartan;
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Candesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

If you plan to get pregnant, ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use before and during pregnancy. Having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications in the mother and the baby.

You should not breastfeed while using candesartan.

How should I take candesartan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take candesartan with or without food.

For a child who cannot swallow a tablet whole, a pharmacist can mix the medicine into a liquid.

Shake the liquid before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Candesartan doses are based on weight in children and/or teenagers. Your child’s dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking candesartan.

It may take 2 to 4 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Treatment may also include diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol, not smoking, and controlling diabetes.

If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. You may need to stop for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Candesartan dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 16 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 8 to 32 mg/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses
Maximum dose: 32 mg/day

Comments:
-Consider administration of a lower initial dose in volume depleted patients.
-Most of the antihypertensive effect is present within 2 weeks; maximum blood pressure reduction at a given dose is generally observed within 4 to 6 weeks of starting that dose.

Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure:

Initial dose: 4 mg orally once a day; double dose every 2 weeks, as tolerated, to target dose of 32 mg orally once a day

Use: Treatment of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II through IV heart failure

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:

1 TO LESS THAN 6 YEARS:
Initial dose: 0.2 mg/kg/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses
Maintenance dose: 0.05 to 0.4 mg/kg/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses

6 TO LESS THAN 17 YEARS:
Less than 50 kg:
-Initial dose: 4 to 8 mg/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses
-Maintenance dose: 2 to 16 mg/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses
Greater than 50 kg:
-Initial dose: 8 to 16 mg/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses
-Maintenance dose: 4 to 32 mg/day orally in 1 to 2 divided doses

Comments:
-For patients with possible intravascular volume depletion (e.g., patients treated with diuretics, especially those with renal impairment), initiate this drug under close supervision and consider administration of a lower dose.
-Antihypertensive effect is present within 2 weeks; maximum blood pressure reduction at a given dose is generally observed within 4 weeks of starting that dose.
-For children unable to swallow tablets, an extemporaneous suspension may be used instead.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, fast heartbeats, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking candesartan?

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect candesartan?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• any other heart or blood pressure medications;
• a diuretic or “water pill”;
• lithium; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)–ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Benicar is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB). Olmesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Benicar is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children at least 6 years old.

Benicar is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.

Warnings

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using Benicar and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

If you have diabetes, do not take Benicar with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine – brand names include Amturnide, Tekturna, and Tekamlo).

Before taking this medicine

You should not take Benicar if you are allergic to olmesartan.

If you have diabetes, do not use Benicar together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking Benicar with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

To make sure Benicar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• a heart condition other than one being treated with Benicar;
• kidney disease; or
• if you are on a low salt diet.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

If you plan to get pregnant, ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use before and during pregnancy. Having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications in the mother and the baby.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

How should I take Benicar?

Take Benicar exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

You may take Benicar with or without food.

For a child who cannot swallow a tablet whole, a pharmacist can mix the medicine into a liquid.

Shake the liquid before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Olmesartan doses are based on weight in children and/or teenagers. Your child’s dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Benicar.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Treatment may also include diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol, not smoking, and controlling diabetes.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.

Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the liquid in a refrigerator. Throw away any liquid leftover after 4 weeks.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

20 mg orally once a day; may increase dose to 40 mg in two weeks if further blood pressure reduction is needed.

Maximum dose: 40 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-For patients with possible intravascular volume depletion (e.g., patients treated with diuretics, especially those with impaired renal function), initiate this drug under close supervision and give consideration to a lower starting dose.
-Twice daily dosing offers no additional benefit over the same total dose give once daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:

6 to 16 years:
-20 to less than 35 kg: 10 mg orally once a day; may increase dose to 20 mg in two weeks if further blood pressure reduction is needed
-35 kg or more: 20 mg orally once a day; may increase dose to 40 mg in two weeks if further blood pressure reduction is needed

Comments:
-For children who cannot swallow tablets, the same dose can be given using an extemporaneously compounded oral suspension.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

Overdose symptoms may include fast heartbeats or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Benicar?

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Benicar side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Benicar: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• little or no urination;
• severe diarrhea and weight loss; or
• high potassium level – nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

What is irbesartan?

Irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB).

Irbesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children at least 6 years old. Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Irbesartan is also used to treat kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes.

Irbesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Irbesartan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Irbesartan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• little or no urination;
• high potassium level–nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

Common side effects of irbesartan may include:

• dizziness;
• feeling light-headed; or
• high potassium.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA .

Warnings

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you have diabetes, do not take irbesartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use irbesartan if you are allergic to it.

If you have diabetes, do not take irbesartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking irbesartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a heart condition other than one being treated with irbesartan;
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
• if you are on a low-salt diet.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Irbesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

If you plan to get pregnant, ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use before and during pregnancy. Having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications in the mother and the baby.

You should not breastfeed while using irbesartan.

How should I take irbesartan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Irbesartan may be taken with or without food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking irbesartan.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Treatment may also include diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol, not smoking, and controlling diabetes.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Irbesartan dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 150 mg orally once a day
Maintenance 150 to 300 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 300 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-May be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

Use: Treatment of hypertension

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy:

300 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-This drug has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of nephropathy as measured by the occurrence of doubling of serum creatinine or ESRD (need for dialysis or renal transplantation).

Use: Treatment of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension with elevated serum creatinine and proteinuria (greater than 300 mg/day)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

Overdose symptoms may include fast heartbeats or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking irbesartan?

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect irbesartan?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• heart or blood pressure medication;
• lithium; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)–aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

What is losartan?

Losartan is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure in adults and children at least 6 years old.

Losartan is also used to decrease the risk of stroke in people who have high blood pressure and a heart condition called left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the walls of the left side of the heart).

Losartan may not decrease the risk of stroke in African Americans who have these conditions.

Losartan is also used to treat kidney disease in people who have type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) and high blood pressure.

Losartan belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances that tighten the blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently.

Warnings

Do not use losartan if you are pregnant, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. It can cause injury or death to the unborn baby during your second or third trimester.

If you have diabetes, do not use losartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking losartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

In rare cases, this medicine can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use losartan if you are allergic to it.

If you have diabetes, do not take losartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease or congestive heart failure;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high levels of potassium in your blood);
• if you are on a low-salt diet;
• liver disease; or
• kidney disease.

You may also need to avoid taking losartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Stop using this medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Losartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you use the medicine during your second or third trimester.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

How should I take losartan?

Take losartan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

• Losartan is usually taken once per day.
• You may take losartan with or without food.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking losartan. This can lead to very low blood pressure, a serious electrolyte imbalance, or kidney failure.

• Your blood pressure will need to be checked often, and you may need frequent blood tests.
• If you have high blood pressure, keep using this medicine even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Diabetic Nephropathy:

Initial dose: 50 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 100 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-If hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy or type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients require titration from initial dose, increase to 100 mg orally once a day.
-Antihypertension is substantially present within 1 week but in some studies the maximal effect occurred in 3 to 6 weeks.

Uses:
-Treatment of hypertension.
-To reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.
-Treatment of diabetic nephropathy with an elevated serum creatinine and proteinuria (urinary albumin to creatinine ratio 300 mg/g or greater) in patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of hypertension.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial dose: 50 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 100 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-If hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy or type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients require titration from initial dose, increase to 100 mg orally once a day.
-Antihypertension is substantially present within 1 week but in some studies the maximal effect occurred in 3 to 6 weeks.

Uses:
-Treatment of hypertension.
-To reduce the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.
-Treatment of diabetic nephropathy with an elevated serum creatinine and proteinuria (urinary albumin to creatinine ratio 300 mg/g or greater) in patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of hypertension.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:

6 Years or Older:
Initial dose: 0.7 mg/kg orally once a day (up to 50 mg total)

Comments:
-May be given as a tablet or suspension. If using the suspension, use an oral dosing syringe or an oral dosing cup to measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a teaspoon or tablespoon.
-Doses above 1.4 mg/kg (or 100 mg) daily have not been studied in pediatric patients.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

What should I avoid while taking losartan?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Losartan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to losartan: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Losartan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• high blood potassium – nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; or
• kidney problems – swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common losartan side effects may include:

• dizziness, tiredness;
• low blood pressure;
• low blood sugar;
• diarrhea;
• back pain; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

What is olmesartan?

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB).

Olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children at least 6 years old. It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.

Olmesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Olmesartan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Olmesartan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• little or no urination;
• severe diarrhea and weight loss; or
• high potassium level–nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.

Common side effects of olmesartan may include:

• dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Warnings

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using olmesartan and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you have diabetes, do not take olmesartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

Before taking this medicine

You should not take olmesartan if you are allergic to it.

If you have diabetes, do not use olmesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking olmesartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a heart condition other than one being treated with olmesartan;
• kidney disease; or
• if you are on a low salt diet.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

If you plan to get pregnant, ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use before and during pregnancy. Having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications in the mother and the baby.

You should not breastfeed while using olmesartan.

How should I take olmesartan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take olmesartan with or without food.

For a child who cannot swallow a tablet whole, a pharmacist can mix the medicine into a liquid.

Shake the liquid before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Olmesartan doses are based on weight in children and/or teenagers. Your child’s dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking olmesartan.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Treatment may also include diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol, not smoking, and controlling diabetes.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.

Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Store the liquid in a refrigerator. Throw away any liquid leftover after 4 weeks.

Olmesartan dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

20 mg orally once a day; may increase dose to 40 mg in two weeks if further blood pressure reduction is needed.

Maximum dose: 40 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-For patients with possible intravascular volume depletion (e.g., patients treated with diuretics, especially those with impaired renal function), initiate this drug under close supervision and give consideration to a lower starting dose.
-Twice daily dosing offers no additional benefit over the same total dose give once daily.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:

6 to 16 years:
-20 to less than 35 kg: 10 mg orally once a day; may increase dose to 20 mg in two weeks if further blood pressure reduction is needed
-35 kg or more: 20 mg orally once a day; may increase dose to 40 mg in two weeks if further blood pressure reduction is needed

Comments:
-For children who cannot swallow tablets, the same dose can be given using an extemporaneous suspension.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line .

Overdose symptoms may include fast heartbeats or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking olmesartan?

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect olmesartan?

If you take colesevelam, take your olmesartan dose 4 hours before you take colesevelam.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• lithium;
• a diuretic (water pill) or other medicines that lower blood pressure; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)–aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.