Alternative brand (trade) names: Hytacand, Ratacand Plus and Atacand HCT.

What is Atacand® Plus ?

Atacand Plus is a combination of two medicines used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension): the angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan cilexetil and the diuretic (water tablet) hydrochlorothiazide. Both medicines are provided in one tablet.

What is Atacand® Plus used for?

Atacand Plus is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) when one medicine (monotherapy) is not sufficiently effective.

How does Atacand® Plus work ?

Atacand Plus combines two medicines that have different ways of working (modes of action) and leads to a greater lowering of blood pressure in more people than with either medicine used alone.

• Candesartan (see Atacand) works by blocking the action of a hormone (a natural chemical carried in the blood) called angiotensin II:
  • It stops angiotensin II attaching itself (binding) to sites (called receptors) found on cells in the body.
  • In the body Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to become narrowed (constricted) and in the kidney, it causes less urine to be produced so salt and water are retained in the body. These actions may be part of the cause of high blood pressure.
  • If angiotensin II can’t bind to the receptors because of the action of candesartan, the blood vessels relax and widen and blood pressure decreases.
• Hydrochlorothiazide is a medicine called a water tablet or diuretic:
  • It works mainly by stopping the re-absorption of sodium (salt) and water from the kidneys back into the blood stream.
  • This results in increased urine output (diuresis) and increased sodium loss in the urine. These effects lower the blood pressure.

How is Atacand® Plus given ?

Atacand Plus is supplied as tablets.

It is very important to take medicines for high blood pressure exactly as your doctor has told you to, even if you do not feel ill. This is because high blood pressure, if not treated, can get progressively worse.

It is also important to follow any lifestyle instructions that your doctor has given you, like trying to give up smoking, reducing your weight, doing more exercise and eating a healthy diet.