Who can take candesartan
Most adults aged 18 and over can take candesartan.
Children aged 6 years and over can also take it, but only to treat high blood pressure.
Candesartan is meant for people who have tried taking blood pressure-lowering medicines called ACE inhibitors (such as ramipril and lisinopril) in the past, but had to stop taking them because of side effects such as a dry cough.
Who may not be able to take candesartan
Candesartan is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to candesartan or any other medicine
- have diarrhoea (or if you've recently had it) or you're being sick (vomiting)
- have been on a low salt diet
- recently had a kidney transplant
- have severe liver disease or a problem with the drainage of the bile from your gall bladder (biliary obstruction)
- have diabetes
- have heart, liver or kidney problems
- have low blood pressure (hypotension)
- are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or you're breastfeeding