Candesartan is a medicine widely used to treathigh blood pressure (hypertension)andheart failure.
It helps to prevent futurestrokes,heart attacksand kidney problems. It also improves your survival if you're taking it for heart failure.
There's some evidence that candesartan might help preventmigraines. However, candesartan is not officially approved for migraine. Your doctor would probably advise you to try other medicines first.
This medicine is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets.
Important:NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) advice
If you have COVID-19, or think you might have it, keep taking your blood pressure medicines as usual.
There is no clear evidence that taking angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) like candesartan will cause complications.
Updated: 17 March 2020
Key facts
- Candesartan lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.
- It's often used as a second-choice treatment if you had to stop taking your first medicine because it gave you a dry, irritating cough.
- The main side effects of candesartan are feeling dizzy or faint and headaches, but they're usually mild and do not last long.
- If you get severe diarrhoea or vomiting from a stomach bug or illness, tell your doctor. You may need to stop taking candesartan for a while until you feel better.
- Drinking alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect of candesartan, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. It's best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you.