Consumer medicine information

APO-Candesartan HCTZ Tablets

Candesartan cilexetil; Hydrochlorothiazide

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

APO-Candesartan HCTZ

Active ingredient

Candesartan cilexetil; Hydrochlorothiazide

Schedule

S4

 

Consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet

Please read this leaflet carefully before you start using APO-Candesartan HCTZ Tablets.

What is in this leaflet

Read this leaflet carefully before taking your medicine. This leaflet answers some common questions about candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). It does not contain all the available information.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

The information in this leaflet was last updated on the date listed on the last page. More recent information on this medicine may be available.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist:

  • if there is anything you do not understand in this leaflet,
  • if you are worried about taking your medicine, or
  • to obtain the most up-to-date information.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you using this medicine against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

Pharmaceutical companies cannot give you medical advice or an individual diagnosis.

Keep this leaflet with your medicine. You may want to read it again.

What this medicine is used for

The name of your medicine is APO-Candesartan HCTZ tablets. It contains the active ingredients candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide.

It is used to treat:

  • high blood pressure, also called hypertension.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.

Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine for another reason.

This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.

How it works

Candesartan cilexetil is a type of medicine called an angiotensin II receptor inhibitor (or antagonist). It mainly works by causing relaxation of blood vessels.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a type of medicine called a diuretic. It works by reducing the amount of excess fluid in the body.

Using these two medicines together will lower your blood pressure more effectively than using either one on its own.

There is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.

Use in children

This medicine should not be used in children. The safety and effectiveness of this medicine in children under 18 years of age have not been established.

Before you use this medicine

When you must not use it

Do not use this medicine if:

  • You have or have had any of the following:
    - Allergic to any medicine containing candesartan cilexetil or hydrochlorothiazide, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet, or any medicine containing an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (or blocker), or any sulphur drugs (sulphonamides) such as some antibiotics or some medicines to treat diabetes. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.

    - severe kidney disease
    - gout
    - severe liver disease and/or conditions associated with impaired bile flow (cholestasis).
    - taking blood pressure medicine containing aliskiren, especially if you have diabetes mellitus or kidney problems.
  • You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
    This medicine may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.
  • You are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.
    This medicine may pass into human breast milk.
  • You are hypersensitive to, or have had an allergic reaction to, candesartan cilexetil, hydrochlorothiazide or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
  • You are hypersensitive to, or have had an allergic reaction to, any sulphur drugs (sulphonamides) such as antibiotics or some medicines used to treat diabetes.
  • Any medicine containing an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (or blocker)
    Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or other parts of the body; rash, itching or hives on the skin;
    If you think you are having an allergic reaction, do not take any more of the medicine and contact your doctor immediately or go to the Accident and Emergency Department at the nearest hospital.
  • The expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed.
  • The packaging is torn, shows signs of tampering or it does not look quite right.
  • If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

If you are not sure whether you should start taking this medicine, talk to your doctor.

Before you start to take it

Before you start taking this medicine, tell your doctor if:

  1. You have allergies to:
  • any other medicines
  • any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.
  1. You have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:
  • kidney problems
  • liver problems
  • heart problems
  • diabetes
  • recent excessive vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a disease affecting the skin, joints and kidneys
  • a salt restricted diet
  • a condition called primary hyperaldosteronism
  • a past operation known as sympathectomy
  • a decrease in vision or eye pain. These could be symptoms of fluid accumulation in the vascular layer of the eye (choroidal effusion) or an increase of pressure in your eye and can happen within hours to weeks of taking this medicine. This can lead to permanent vision loss, if not treated. If you earlier have had a penicillin or sulphonamide allergy, you can be at higher risk of developing this.
  1. experienced breathing or lungs problems (including inflammation or fluid in the lungs) following hydrochlorothiazide intake in the past.
  2. You are currently pregnant or you plan to become pregnant. Do not take this medicine whilst pregnant.
  3. You are currently breast-feeding or you plan to breast-feed. Do not take this medicine whilst breast-feeding.
  4. You have recently been vaccinated or plan to get a vaccination.
  5. You are planning to have surgery or an anaesthetic.
  6. You are currently receiving or are planning to receive dental treatment.
  7. You are taking or are planning to take any other medicines. This includes vitamins and supplements that are available from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interact with Candesartan HCTZ.. These include:

  • other medicines that lower blood pressure such as diuretics (fluid tablets) and ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers and aliskiren, especially if you have diabetes-related kidney problems
  • medicines used to raise blood pressure.
  • other medicines associated with potassium loss, such as other diuretics and laxatives.
  • medicines containing potassium, including salt substitutes.
  • Digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart failure
  • other medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats.
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis.
  • Methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and some cancers
  • colestipol and cholestyramine, medicines used to treat high blood cholesterol levels.
  • lithium, a medicine used to treat mood swings and some types of depression.
  • alcohol.
  • strong pain killers such as codeine, morphine, dextropropoxyphene.
  • barbiturates, used to treat epilepsy, such as phenobarbitone.
  • medicines like insulin that are used to treat diabetes.
  • calcium supplements, or medicines containing calcium.
  • Vitamin D supplements
  • Medicines to treat irregular heart beats
  • corticosteroids such as prednisone, cortisone, dexamethasone.
  • Laxatives
  • amantadine, an antiviral and an antiparkinsonian medicine.
  • cytotoxic medicines, such as medicines used for chemotherapy like cyclohoshamide.
  • Methotrexate, a medicine used to treat arthritis and some cancers
  • Ciclosporin, an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ transplant rejection.

If you are taking any of these you may need a different dose or you may need to take different medicines.

Other medicines not listed above may also interact with candesartan HCTZ. Your doctor and pharmacist have more information on medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking this medicine.

How to take this medicine

Follow carefully all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.

Their instructions may be different to the information in this leaflet.

If you are not sure how to take this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.

How much to take

Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you how much of this medicine you should take. This will depend on your condition and whether you are taking any other medicines.

Do not stop taking your medicine or change your dosage without first checking with your doctor.

The usual dose is one tablet once daily.

How to take it

Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water.

When to take it

Take this medicine once a day, at about the same time each day. Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect and will also help you remember when to take it.

It does not matter if you take it before, with or after food.

How long to take it

Continue taking this medicine for as long as your doctor tells you.

This medicine controls your condition, but does not cure it. Therefore you must take this medicine everyday. It is important to keep taking your medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to.

Make sure you have enough to last over weekends and holidays.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it is at least 12 hours before your next dose is due.

Then go back to taking it as you would normally.

If it is less than 12 hours to your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for missed doses. This may increase the chance of you experiencing side effects.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints to help you remember.

If you take too much (overdose)

If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre (Tel: 13 11 26 in Australia) for advice. Alternatively go to the Accident and Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

If you take too many candesartan HCTZ tablets, you may get a headache, feel sick (nausea), dizzy, thirsty and very tired.

While you are taking this medicine

Things you must do

Tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine if:

  • you are about to be started on any new medicine
  • you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Your doctor can discuss different treatment options with you.
  • you are breast-feeding or are planning to breast-feed
  • take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you to. Your blood pressure will not be well controlled if you do not.
  • you are about to have any blood tests
  • you are going to have surgery or an anaesthetic or are going into hospital
  • you experience excessive vomiting or diarrhoea.
    You may lose too much water and your blood pressure may become too low.
  • if you plan to have an examination such as an X-ray or a scan requiring an injection of iodinated contrast (dye)
  • If you have had skin cancer or if you develop a suspicious skin lesion during treatment with this medicine.

Treatment with hydrochlorothiazide, particularly long-term use with high doses, may increase the risk of some types of skin and lip cancer (nonmelanoma skin cancer). Limit exposure to sunlight and protect your skin when exposed to sun.

If you develop any severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing after taking this medicine, seek medical attention immediately.

Your doctor may occasionally do tests to make sure the medicine is working and to prevent side effects. Go to your doctor regularly for a check-up.

Your doctor will check your progress and may want to take some tests (e.g. blood tests, blood pressure) from time to time. These tests may help to prevent side effects.

Tell any other doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you take this medicine.

Things you must not do

Do not:

  • Give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.
  • Take your medicine to treat any other condition unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Stop taking your medicine, or change the dosage, without first checking with your doctor.

Things to be careful of

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how candesartan HCTZ affects you.

You may feel dizzy when you start taking candesartan HCTZ due to the drop in your blood pressure.

Move slowly when getting out of bed or standing up if you feel faint, dizzy or light-headed.

Drink plenty of water while you are using this medicine, especially if you sweat a lot.

Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these possibilities if you think they may be a problem for you.

Possible side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking this medicine or if you have any questions or concerns.

This medicine helps most people with high blood pressure, but it may have unwanted side effects in a few people.

Do not be alarmed by the following lists of side effects. You may not experience any of them. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious but most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:

  • headache or dizziness
  • flu-like symptoms or infections
  • chest, throat or sinus infections
  • feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
  • back pain
  • urinary tract infection
  • feeling tired
  • stomach ache
  • Symptoms of sunburn which happens more quickly than normal.

These side effects are usually mild.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

  • aching muscles, tenderness, or weakness in the muscle.
  • Rapid heartbeats
  • Suspicious skin lesions

The above list includes serious side effects and are usually rare. They may require medical attention.

If you experience any of the following, stop taking your medicine and contact your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital:

  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
  • swelling of the hands, feet or ankles
  • harsh sounds when breathing
  • rash, itching or hives
  • easy bruising or bleeding more easily than normal
  • feeling extremely tired
  • yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
  • signs of frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
  • worsening of the kidney function including passing little or no urine, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, breathlessness, loss of appetite and weakness (especially in patients with existing kidney problems or heart failure)
  • changes in your potassium, sodium and red or white blood cell levels may occur. Such changes are usually detected by a blood test
  • decrease in vision or pain in your eyes due to high pressure (possible signs of fluid accumulation in the vascular layer of the eye (choroidal effusion) or acute angle-closure glaucoma)
  • symptoms that may indicate high potassium levels in the blood include nausea, diarrhoea, muscle weakness and changes in heart rhythm
  • acute respiratory distress (very rare); signs include severe shortness of breath, fever, weakness and confusion.

These are very serious side effects. If you have them, you may have had a serious reaction to this medicine and are usually very rare. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.

Other side effects not listed above may above may occur in some patients. Tell your doctor if you notice any other side effects.

Allergic reactions

If you think you are having an allergic reaction to candesartan HCTZ, do not take any more of this medicine and tell your doctor immediately or go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include some or all of the following:

  • shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body
  • rash, itching or hives on the skin

Storage and disposal

Storage

Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it is time to take them. If you take candesartan HCTZ out of the blister pack it will not keep well.

Keep your tablets in a cool dry place where the temperature will stay below 25°C.

Do not store your medicine, or any other medicine, in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it on a window sill or in the car. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep this medicine where children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Disposal

If your doctor or pharmacist tells you to stop taking this medicine or it has passed its expiry date, your pharmacist can dispose of the remaining medicine safely.

Product description

What APO-Candesartan HCTZ looks like

APO-Candesartan HCTZ 16/12.5 mg tablets: light pink, oval shape, biconvex, uncoated, mottled tablet debossed with 'L3' and '02' on either side of breakline on one side and break line on other side

APO-Candesartan HCTZ 32/12.5 mg tablets: light yellow, oval, biconvex, uncoated, mottled tablet debossed with 'L3' & '04' on either side of breakline on one side and break line on other side

APO-Candesartan HCTZ 32/25 mg tablets: light pink, oval, biconvex, uncoated, mottled tablet debossed with 'L3' & '04' on either side of break line on one side & break line on one other side

Ingredients

APO-Candesartan HCTZ Tablets 16/12.5 mg contains 16 mg candesartan cilexetil and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide.

APO-Candesartan HCTZ Tablets 32/12.5 mg contains 32 mg candesartan cilexetil and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide.

APO-Candesartan HCTZ Tablets 32/25 mg contains 32 mg candesartan cilexetil and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide.

APO-Candesartan HCTZ is available in:

Blister packs of 7 and 30 tablets.

Not all strengths, and/or pack sizes may be available.

Ingredients

Each tablet contains 16 mg or 32mg of candesartan and 12.5mg or 25mg of HCTZ as the active ingredient.

It also contain the following inactive ingredients:

  • lactose monohydrate
  • carmellose calcium
  • Maize starch
  • macrogol 8000
  • Hyprolose
  • magnesium stearate
  • Pigment Blend PB-24880 Pink (16/12.5 mg and 32/25 tablet only)
  • (iron oxide yellow) (32/12.5 mg tablet only).

This medicine is gluten-free, sucrose-free, tartrazine-free and free of other azo dyes. The medicine contains sugars as lactose.

Australian Registration Numbers

APO-Candesartan HCTZ 16/12.5 mg blister pack: AUST R 210565

APO-Candesartan HCTZ 32/12.5 mg blister pack: AUST R 210566

APO-Candesartan HCTZ 32/25 mg blister pack: AUST R 210567

Sponsor

Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
15-17 Chapel St
Cremorne 3121
VIC Australia
www.arrotex.com.au

This leaflet was prepared in May 2023.

Published by MIMS July 2023

BRAND INFORMATION

Brand name

APO-Candesartan HCTZ

Active ingredient

Candesartan cilexetil; Hydrochlorothiazide

Schedule

S4

 

1 Name of Medicine

Candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide.

2 Qualitative and Quantitative Composition

Each tablet contains 16 mg or 32 mg candesartan cilexetil and 12.5 mg or 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide as the active ingredient.

Excipients with known effect.

Sugars as lactose monohydrate.
For the full list of excipients, see Section 6.1 List of Excipients.

3 Pharmaceutical Form

Candesartan HCTZ 16/12.5 tablets.

Light pink, oval shape, biconvex, uncoated, mottled tablets debossed with 'L3' and '02' on either side of breakline on one side and break line on other side.

Candesartan HCTZ 32/12.5 mg tablet.

Light yellow, oval, biconvex, uncoated, mottled tablets debossed with 'L3' and '04' on either side of break line on one side and break line on one other side.

Candesartan HCTZ 32/25 mg tablet.

Light pink, oval, biconvex, uncoated, mottled tablets debossed with 'L3' and '04' on either side of break line on one side and break line on one other side.

4 Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

Candesartan HCTZ is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. Treatment should not be initiated with these fixed dose combinations.

4.2 Dose and Method of Administration

APO-Candesartan HCTZ are intended for oral administration.

Dosage.

The dose of candesartan HCTZ must be determined by careful titration of the dose of each of the individual components.
The recommended dose is 1 tablet once daily. Candesartan HCTZ may be taken with or without food. The tablets should not be divided.
Candesartan HCTZ 16/12.5 may be administered in patients whose blood pressure is not optimally controlled with hydrochlorothiazide alone or candesartan 16 mg monotherapy.
Candesartan HCTZ 32/12.5 or 32/25 may be administered in patients whose blood pressure is not optimally controlled with hydrochlorothiazide alone or candesartan 32 mg monotherapy, or at a lower dose of candesartan HCTZ. Dose titration of candesartan cilexetil is recommended when adding on to hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy.
Most of the antihypertensive effect is usually attained within 4 weeks of initiation of treatment.
Candesartan HCTZ should not be used to initiate treatment.

Special patient populations.

Paediatric use.

The safety and efficacy of candesartan HCTZ has not been established in children.

Use in the elderly.

Dose titration of candesartan cilexetil is recommended before treatment with candesartan HCTZ.

Hepatic impairment.

Dose titration of candesartan cilexetil is recommended before treatment with candesartan HCTZ in patients with mild to moderate chronic liver disease.
Candesartan HCTZ should not be used in patients with severe hepatic impairment and/or cholestasis (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Renal impairment.

In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (i.e. creatinine clearance ≥ 30-80 mL/min/1.73 m2 BSA) a dose titration is recommended.
Candesartan HCTZ should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment (i.e. creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 BSA).

Intravascular volume depletion.

Patients who are severely volume and/or sodium depleted should have this corrected before being treated with candesartan HCTZ.

4.3 Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of candesartan cilexetil, hydrochlorothiazide or to sulfonamide derived drugs.
Pregnancy and lactation (see Section 4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation, Use in pregnancy).
Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 BSA).
Severe hepatic impairment and/or cholestasis.
Gout.
The use of candesartan HCTZ in combination with aliskiren containing medicines in patients with diabetes mellitus (type I or II) or with moderate to severe renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2).

4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use

General.

In patients whose vascular tone and renal function depend predominantly on the activity of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (e.g. patients with severe congestive heart failure or underlying renal disease, including renal artery stenosis), treatment with drugs that affect this system has been associated with acute hypotension, azotaemia, oliguria or, rarely, acute renal failure. As with any antihypertensive agent, excessive blood pressure decrease in patients with ischaemic heart disease or atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease could result in a myocardial infarction or stroke.

Dual blockade of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS).

There is evidence that the concomitant use of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren increases the risk of hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure). Dual blockade of RAAS through the combined use of candesartan HCTZ with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is therefore not recommended (see Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions).
If dual blockade therapy is considered necessary, this should only occur under specialist supervision and subject to frequent close monitoring of renal function, electrolytes and blood pressure.
ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers should not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The use of candesartan HCTZ with aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus (type I or II) or moderate to severe renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) (see Section 4.3 Contraindications).

Renal artery stenosis.

Other drugs that affect the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, i.e. angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, may increase blood urea and serum creatinine in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a solitary kidney. A similar effect may be anticipated with angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

Aortic and mitral valve stenosis or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

As with other vasodilators, special caution is indicated in patients suffering from haemodynamically relevant aortic or mitral valve stenosis, or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Primary hyperaldosteronism.

Patients with primary hyperaldosteronism will not generally respond to antihypertensive drugs acting through inhibition of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. Therefore, the use of candesartan in these patients is not recommended.

Fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

As for any patient receiving diuretic therapy, periodic determination of serum electrolytes should be performed at appropriate intervals.
Thiazides, including hydrochlorothiazide, can cause fluid or electrolyte imbalance (hypercalcaemia, hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, hypomagnesaemia and hypochloraemic alkalosis).
Hydrochlorothiazide dose dependently increases urinary potassium excretion which may result in hypokalaemia. This effect of hydrochlorothiazide seems to be less evident when combined with candesartan cilexetil. The risk of hypokalaemia may be increased in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, in patients experiencing brisk diuresis, in patients with an inadequate oral intake of electrolytes and in patients receiving concomitant therapy with corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Based on experience with the use of other drugs that affect the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, concomitant use of candesartan HCTZ and ACE inhibitors, aliskiren, potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or salt substitutes or other drugs that may increase serum potassium levels may lead to increases in serum potassium.

Non-melanoma skin cancer.

An increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) [basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)] with increasing cumulative dose of hydrochlorothiazide exposure has been observed in two epidemiological studies based on Danish National Cancer Registry (see Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials). Photosensitizing actions of hydrochlorothiazide could act as a possible mechanism for NMSC.
Patients taking hydrochlorothiazide should be informed of the risk of NMSC and advised to regularly check their skin for any new lesions and promptly report any suspicious skin lesions. Possible preventive measures such as limited exposure to sunlight and UV rays and, in case of exposure, adequate protection should be advised to the patients in order to minimize the risk of skin cancer. Suspicious skin lesions should be promptly examined potentially including histological examinations of biopsies. The use of hydrochlorothiazide may also need to be reconsidered in patients who have experienced previous NMSC (see Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

Acute respiratory toxicity.

Very rare severe cases of acute respiratory toxicity, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been reported after taking hydrochlorothiazide. Pulmonary oedema typically develops within minutes to hours after hydrochlorothiazide intake. At the onset, symptoms include dyspnoea, fever, pulmonary deterioration, and hypotension. If diagnosis of ARDS is suspected, candesartan HCTZ should be withdrawn, and appropriate treatment given. Hydrochlorothiazide should not be administered to patients who previously experienced ARDS following hydrochlorothiazide intake.

Kidney transplantation.

There is limited clinical experience regarding the administration of candesartan HCTZ in patients who have undergone renal transplantation.

Combination use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists, anti-inflammatory drugs and thiazide diuretics.

The use of an ACE inhibiting drug (ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor antagonist), an anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID or COX-2 inhibitor) and a thiazide diuretic at the same time increases the risk of renal impairment. This includes use in fixed combination products containing more than one class of drug. Combined use of these medications should be accompanied by increased monitoring of serum creatinine, particularly at the institution of the combination. The combination of drugs from these three classes should be used with caution particularly in elderly patients or those with pre-existing renal impairment.

Metabolic and endocrine effects.

Treatment with a thiazide diuretic may impair glucose tolerance. Dosage adjustment of antidiabetic drugs, including insulin, may be required. Latent diabetes mellitus may become manifest during thiazide therapy. Increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels have been associated with thiazide diuretic therapy. At the doses contained in candesartan HCTZ only minimal effects were observed. Thiazide diuretics increase serum uric acid concentration and may precipitate gout in susceptible patients.

Hypotension, volume depleted patients.

Candesartan HCTZ like all antihypertensive agents may cause symptomatic hypotension in some patients. Symptomatic hypotension may be expected to occur more frequently in patients who have been sodium and/or volume depleted by vigorous diuretic therapy and/or dietary salt restrictions, or vomiting and/or diarrhoea or haemodialysis. Sodium and/or volume depletion should be corrected prior to administration of candesartan HCTZ.

Postsympathectomy.

The antihypertensive effects of thiazide diuretics may be increased in the postsympathectomy patient.

Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported with the use of thiazide diuretics.

Anaesthesia and surgery.

Hypotension may occur during anaesthesia and surgery in patients treated with angiotensin II antagonists due to blockade of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. Very rarely, hypotension may be severe such that it may warrant the use of intravenous fluids and/or vasopressors.

Choroidal effusion, acute myopia and secondary angle-closure glaucoma.

Hydrochlorothiazide, a sulfonamide, can cause an idiosyncratic reaction, resulting in choroidal effusion with visual field defect, transient myopia and acute angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms include acute onset of decreased visual acuity or ocular pain and typically occur within hours to weeks of drug initiation. Untreated acute angle-closure glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. The primary treatment is to discontinue drug intake as rapidly as possible. Prompt medical or surgical treatments may need to be considered if the intraocular pressure remains uncontrolled. Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy.

Use in hepatic impairment.

Thiazides should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease, since minor alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma. There is no clinical experience with candesartan HCTZ in patients with hepatic impairment. Use in patients with severe hepatic impairment is contraindicated. Caution is advised in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.

Use in renal impairment.

As with other agents inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, changes in renal function may be anticipated in susceptible patients treated with candesartan HCTZ (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). Periodic monitoring of serum potassium, creatinine and uric acid levels is recommended. Loop diuretics are preferred to thiazides in this population.

Use in the elderly.

For dosage recommendations for use of candesartan HCTZ in elderly patients (please see Section 4.2 Dose and Method of Administration; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use, Combination use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists, anti-inflammatory drugs and thiazide diuretics; Section 5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties, Pharmacokinetics in special populations).

Paediatric use.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.

Effects on laboratory tests.

In general, there were no clinically important influences of candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide on routine laboratory variables. Increases in creatinine, urea, potassium, uric acid, glucose and ALAT (SGPT) and decreases in sodium have been observed. Minor decreases in haemoglobin and increases in ASAT (SGOT) have been observed in single patients.

4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions

The antihypertensive effect of candesartan HCTZ may be enhanced by other antihypertensives.

Dual blockade of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS).

Clinical trial data has shown that dual blockade of the RAAS through the combined use of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is associated with a higher frequency of adverse events such as hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to the use of a single RAAS acting agent (see Section 4.3 Contraindications; Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use).

Candesartan cilexetil.

Compounds which have been investigated include hydrochlorothiazide, warfarin, digoxin (see Hydrochlorothiazide below), oral contraceptives (i.e. ethinyloestradiol/levonorgestrel), glibenclamide and nifedipine. No pharmacokinetic interactions of clinical significance were identified in these studies.
The antihypertensive effect of angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AIIRAs), including candesartan, maybe attenuated by NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors and acetylsalicylic acid.
As with ACE inhibitors, concomitant use of AIIRAs and NSAIDs may lead to an increased risk of worsening of renal function, including possible acute renal failure, and an increase in serum potassium, especially in patients with poor pre-existing renal function. The combination should be administered with caution, especially in older patients and in volume depleted patients. Patients should be adequately hydrated and consideration should be given to monitoring renal function after initiation of concomitant therapy and periodically thereafter.
Candesartan is eliminated only to a minor extent by hepatic metabolism (CYP2C9).
Interaction studies performed to date show no effect of candesartan on the metabolising capacity of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4. Based on in vitro data, no interaction would be expected to occur in vivo with drugs whose metabolism is dependent upon cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 or CYP3A4.

Hydrochlorothiazide.

Alcohol, barbiturates, opioids and anaesthetics.

Potentiation of thiazide diuretic induced orthostatic hypotension may occur.

Antidiabetic agents (oral and insulin).

Thiazides may increase blood glucose concentration and adjustment of antidiabetic medication may be required.

Cardiac glycosides and other antiarrhythmics.

Thiazide induced hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia predisposes to the potential cardiotoxic effects of digitalis glycosides and antiarrhythmics. Periodic monitoring of serum potassium is recommended when candesartan HCTZ is administered with such drugs.

Calcium salts and vitamin D.

Thiazide diuretics may increase the serum calcium concentration due to decreased excretion. If calcium or vitamin D is prescribed, serum calcium levels should be monitored and calcium dosage adjusted accordingly.

Cholestyramine resin and colestipol hydrochloride.

The absorption of thiazide may be delayed or decreased in the presence of bile acids sequestrants. Candesartan HCTZ should be taken at least one hour before or after such drugs.

Lithium.

Reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with ACE inhibitors or hydrochlorothiazide. A similar effect may occur with angiotensin II receptor antagonists (AIIRAs) and careful monitoring of serum lithium levels is recommended during concomitant use.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The diuretic, natriuretic and antihypertensive effect of hydrochlorothiazide is blunted by NSAIDs.

Hypokalaemic agents.

The potassium depleting effect of hydrochlorothiazide could be expected to be potentiated by other drugs associated with potassium loss and hypokalaemia (e.g. other kaliuretic diuretics, laxatives, amphotericin, carbenoxolone, salicylic acid derivatives).

Potassium sparing agents.

Based on experience with the use of other drugs that affect the renin angiotensin aldosterone system, concomitant use of candesartan HCTZ and potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or salt substitutes or other drugs that may increase serum potassium levels (e.g. heparin sodium, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) may lead to increases in serum potassium.

Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (e.g. tubocurarine).

The effect of nondepolarising skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g. tubocurarine) may be potentiated by hydrochlorothiazide.

Pressor amines.

Hydrochlorothiazide may cause the arterial response to pressor amines to decrease but not enough to exclude a pressor effect.

Iodinated contrast media.

Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the risk of acute renal insufficiency especially with high doses of iodinated contrast media.

Corticosteroids, ACTH.

The risk for hypokalaemia may be increased during concomitant use of steroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Amantadine.

Thiazide may increase the risk of adverse effects caused by amantadine.

Beta-blockers and diazoxide.

The hyperglycaemic effect of beta-blockers and diazoxide may be enhanced by thiazides.

Anticholinergic agents (e.g. atropine).

Anticholinergic agents (e.g. atropine, biperiden) may increase the bioavailability of thiazide diuretics by decreasing gastrointestinal motility and stomach emptying rate.

Cytotoxic drugs (e.g. cyclophosphamide, methotrexate).

Thiazides may reduce the renal excretion of cytotoxic drugs (e.g. cyclophosphamide, methotrexate) and potentiate their myelosuppressive effects.

Ciclosporin.

Concomitant treatment with ciclosporin may increase the risk of hyperuricaemia and gout type complications.

4.6 Fertility, Pregnancy and Lactation

Effects on fertility.

The effects of hydrochlorothiazide alone or in combination with candesartan cilexetil on fertility have not been evaluated in animal studies. However, candesartan cilexetil alone had no adverse effects on the reproductive performance of male or female rats at oral doses up to 300 mg/kg/day.
(Category D)
The use of candesartan HCTZ is contraindicated during pregnancy (see Section 4.3 Contraindications). Patients receiving candesartan HCTZ should be made aware of that before contemplating a possibility of becoming pregnant so that they can discuss appropriate options with their treating physician. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with candesartan HCTZ must be stopped immediately and if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.
The use of drugs that act directly on the renin angiotensin system has been associated with fetal and neonatal injury, including hypotension, neonatal skull hypoplasia, anuria, reversible or irreversible renal failure, and death. Exposure to angiotensin II receptor antagonist therapy is known to induce human fetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalaemia).
There is limited experience with hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Animal studies are insufficient. Hydrochlorothiazide crosses the placenta. Based on the pharmacological mechanism of action of hydrochlorothiazide, its use during pregnancy may compromise foetoplacental perfusion and may cause foetal and neonatal effects like icterus, disturbance of electrolyte balance and thrombocytopenia.
It is not known whether candesartan is excreted in human milk. However, candesartan is excreted in the milk of lactating rats. Hydrochlorothiazide passes into human milk. Because of the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, breastfeeding should be discontinued if the use of candesartan HCTZ is considered essential.

4.7 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

When driving vehicles or operating machines, it should be taken into account that dizziness or weariness may occur during treatment of hypertension.

4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)

Adverse events were mild and transient in controlled clinical studies with various doses of candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide (candesartan cilexetil up to 32 mg and hydrochlorothiazide up to 25 mg). The overall incidence of adverse events showed no association with age or gender. Withdrawals from treatment due to adverse events were similar with candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide (2.3-3.3%) and placebo (2.7-4.3%).
Clinical adverse events, regardless of causal relationship, with a cumulative 8 week incidence rate of ≥ 1% during treatment with candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide up to 16/12.5 mg in double blind placebo controlled trials are presented in Table 1.
The following clinical adverse events occurred with a frequency of 0.5% to < 1% with no occurrence in the placebo group: A-V block, vomiting.
Clinical adverse events, regardless of causal relationship, occurring in ≥ 1% of the patients during 8 week randomised treatment with candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide 32/12.5 mg and 32/25 mg in double blind clinical trials are presented in Table 2.

Adverse events on individual components.

Candesartan cilexetil.

The following clinical adverse events, regardless of whether attributed to therapy, have been reported to occur with a cumulative 8 week incidence rate of ≥ 1% in placebo controlled clinical trials with candesartan cilexetil monotherapy: cough, diarrhoea, peripheral oedema and rhinitis. Angioedema, urticaria, pruritus and rash have been reported very rarely in patients treated with candesartan cilexetil. Very rare cases of increased liver enzymes, abnormal hepatic function or hepatitis have also been reported. Very rare adverse reactions include hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia and renal impairment, including renal failure in susceptible patients (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use). Other adverse events reported for candesartan cilexetil where a causal relationship could not be established include very rare cases of leukopenia, neutropenia and agranulocytosis.

Hydrochlorothiazide.

The following clinical adverse events have been reported to occur with hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy: anorexia, loss of appetite, gastric irritation, diarrhoea, constipation, jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice), pancreatitis, leucopenia, neutropenia/agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anaemia, hemolytic anaemia, bone marrow depression, photosensitivity reactions, fever, rash, cutaneous lupus erythematosus-like reactions, reactivation of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, urticaria, necrotising angiitis (vasculitis, cutaneous vasculitis), anaphylactic reactions, toxic epidermal necrolysis, respiratory distress (including pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema and acute respiratory distress syndrome (very rare) - see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use), hyperglycaemia, glycosuria, hyperuricaemia, electrolyte imbalance (including hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia), increases in cholesterol and triglycerides, increases in BUN and serum creatinine, renal dysfunction, interstitial nephritis, muscle spasm, weakness, restlessness, transient blurred vision, lightheadedness, postural hypotension, vertigo, paraesthesia, cardiac arrhythmias, sleep disturbances, depression, choroidal effusion, acute myopia and acute angle closure glaucoma.

Post marketing.

The following adverse reactions have been reported very rarely (< 0.01%) in post-marketing experience:

Musculoskeletal, connective tissue and bone disorders.

Myalgia.
Rare reports of rhabdomyolysis have been reported in patients receiving angiotensin II receptor blockers.
Although causality to candesartan has not been established, the following neuropsychiatric cardiovascular adverse reactions have been very rarely reported during post-marketing surveillance. These were: agitation, anxiety, depression, insomnia, somnolence, nervousness, nightmare, sleep disorder and palpitations.
The following adverse reactions have been reported post-marketing with hydrochlorothiazide, regardless of causality:

Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps).

Frequency "not known": Non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) (see Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties, Clinical trials).

Reporting suspected adverse effects.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after registration of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems.

4.9 Overdose

Symptoms.

Based on pharmacological considerations, the main manifestation of an overdose of candesartan cilexetil is likely to be symptomatic hypotension and dizziness. In two case reports of overdose (160 mg and 432 mg candesartan cilexetil), patient recovery was uneventful.
The main manifestation of an overdose of hydrochlorothiazide is acute loss of fluid and electrolytes. Symptoms such as dizziness, hypotension, thirst, tachycardia, ventricular arrhythmias, sedation/impairment of consciousness and muscle cramps can also be observed.

Management.

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdosage with candesartan HCTZ. The following measures are, however, suggested in case of overdosage.
Administration of activated charcoal with or without gastric lavage. If symptomatic hypotension should occur, symptomatic treatment should be instituted and vital signs monitored. The patient should be placed supine with the legs elevated. If this is not sufficient, plasma volume should be increased by infusion of isotonic saline solution. Serum electrolyte and acid balance should be checked and corrected, if needed. Sympathomimetic drugs may be administered if the abovementioned measures are not sufficient.
Candesartan cannot be removed by haemodialysis. It is not known to what extent hydrochlorothiazide is removed by haemodialysis.
For information on the management of overdose, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 131126 (Australia).

5 Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Mechanism of action.

Angiotensin II is the primary vasoactive hormone of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system and plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders. It also has an important role in the pathogenesis of end organ hypertrophy and damage. The major physiological effects of angiotensin II, such as vasoconstriction, aldosterone stimulation, regulation of salt and water homeostasis and stimulation of cell growth, are mediated via the type 1 (AT1) receptor.
Candesartan cilexetil is a prodrug suitable for oral use. It is rapidly converted to the active drug, candesartan, by ester hydrolysis during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, selective for AT1 receptors, with tight binding to and slow dissociation from the receptor. It has no agonist activity.
Candesartan does not inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II and degrades bradykinin. Since there is no effect on ACE and no potentiation of bradykinin or substance P, angiotensin II receptor antagonists are unlikely to be associated with cough. This has been confirmed in controlled clinical studies with candesartan. Candesartan does not bind to or block other hormone receptors or ion channels known to be important in cardiovascular regulation.
Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits the active reabsorption of sodium, mainly in the distal kidney tubules, and promotes the excretion of sodium, chloride and water. The renal excretion of potassium and magnesium increases dose dependently, while calcium is reabsorbed to a greater extent. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases plasma volume and extracellular fluid and reduces cardiac output and blood pressure. During long-term therapy, reduced peripheral resistance contributes to the blood pressure reduction.
Candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide have additive antihypertensive effects. In hypertensive patients, candesartan HCTZ results in dose dependent and long lasting reduction in arterial blood pressure without a reflex increase in heart rate. There is no indication of serious or exaggerated first dose hypotension or rebound effect after cessation of treatment.
After administration of a single dose of candesartan HCTZ, onset of the antihypertensive effect generally occurs within 2 hours. With continuous treatment, most of the reduction in blood pressure is attained within four weeks and is sustained during long-term treatment.
Candesartan HCTZ once daily provides effective and smooth blood pressure reduction over 24 hours, with little difference between maximum and trough effects during the dosing interval. In double blind, randomised studies, the incidence of cough was lower during treatment with candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide than during treatment with combinations of ACE inhibitors and hydrochlorothiazide.
Age and gender have no influence on the efficacy of candesartan HCTZ.
In a variety of preclinical safety studies conducted in several species, expected exaggerated pharmacological effects (e.g. renal changes leading to juxtaglomerular cell hypertrophy, adrenal gland zona glomerulosa atrophy and reduced heart weight related to reduced afterload), due to modification of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system homeostasis, have been observed. The incidence and severity of the effects induced were dose and time related and have been shown to be reversible in adult animals. Addition of hydrochlorothiazide caused a potentiation of the nephrotoxicity seen with candesartan alone, however, without any qualitatively new findings.

Clinical trials.

In a randomised, double blind, parallel group, 8 week clinical study, including 1975 randomised patients not adequately controlled on 32 mg candesartan cilexetil once daily, the addition of 12.5 mg or 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide resulted in additional blood pressure reductions of 7/3 mmHg and 9/4 mmHg respectively over 32 mg monotherapy. The candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide 32/12.5 mg and 32/25 mg combinations produced overall mean blood pressure reductions of 13/9 mmHg and 16/10 mmHg, respectively. This study also demonstrated that the 32/25 mg combination was significantly more effective than the 32/12.5 mg combination.
In two 8 week clinical studies (randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group) including 275 and 1524 randomised patients respectively, the candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide combinations 32/12.5 mg and 32/25 mg resulted in blood pressure reductions of 21/14 mmHg for the highest dose, and were significantly more effective than the respective monotherapy components.
Epidemiological studies have shown that long-term treatment with hydrochlorothiazide reduces the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There are no data regarding the effects of candesartan cilexetil and candesartan cilexetil/hydrochlorothiazide on morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

Based on available data from epidemiological studies, cumulative dose-dependent association between hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and NMSC has been observed. One study included a population comprised of 71,553 cases of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and of 8,629 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) matched to 1,430,883 and 172,462 population controls, respectively. High HCTZ use (≥ 50,000 mg cumulative) was associated with an adjusted or of 1.29 (95% CI: 1.23-1.35) for BCC and 3.98 (95% CI: 3.68-4.31) for SCC. A clear cumulative dose response relationship was observed for both BCC and SCC. Another study showed a possible association between lip cancer (SCC) and exposure to HCTZ: 633 cases of lip cancer were matched with 63,067 population controls, using a risk-set sampling strategy. A cumulative dose-response relationship was demonstrated with an adjusted or 2.1 (95% CI: 1.7-2.6) increasing to or 3.9 (3.0-4.9) for high use (~25,000 mg) and or 7.7 (5.7-10.5) for the highest cumulative dose (~100,000 mg). (See Section 4.4 Special Warnings and Precautions for Use; Section 4.8 Adverse Effects (Undesirable Effects)).

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

The individual pharmacokinetic profiles of candesartan and hydrochlorothiazide were not clinically significantly affected when given in combination.

Absorption and distribution.

Candesartan cilexetil.

Following oral administration, candesartan cilexetil is converted to the active drug candesartan. The absolute bioavailability of candesartan is approximately 40% after an oral solution of candesartan cilexetil. The relative bioavailability of the tablet formulation compared with the same oral solution is approximately 34%, with little variability. The absolute bioavailability of candesartan following administration of the tablet is approximately 14%. The mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) is reached 3-4 hours after taking a tablet. The candesartan plasma concentrations increase linearly with increasing doses in the therapeutic dose range.
The area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) of candesartan is not significantly affected by food. The peak concentration (Cmax) is increased by 26% and the rate of absorption is increased when taken with food. These changes are unlikely to result in clinically significant effects.
Candesartan is highly bound to plasma protein (more than 99%). The apparent volume of distribution (Vss) of candesartan is 0.1 L/kg.

Hydrochlorothiazide.

Hydrochlorothiazide is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with an absolute bioavailability of approximately 70%. Concomitant intake of food increases the absorption by approximately 15%. The bioavailability may decrease in patients with cardiac failure and pronounced oedema.
The plasma protein binding of hydrochlorothiazide is approximately 60%. The apparent volume of distribution is approximately 0.8 L/kg.

Metabolism and excretion.

Candesartan cilexetil.

Candesartan cilexetil is mainly eliminated unchanged via urine and bile and is eliminated by hepatic metabolism only to a minor extent (CYP2C9). The terminal half-life of candesartan is approximately 9 hours. There is no accumulation following multiple doses.
The half-life of candesartan remains unchanged (approximately 9 h) after administration of candesartan cilexetil in combination with hydrochlorothiazide. No accumulation of candesartan occurs after repeated doses of the combination compared to monotherapy.
Total plasma clearance of candesartan is about 0.37 mL/min/kg, with a renal clearance of about 0.19 mL/min/kg. The renal elimination of candesartan is both by glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion. Following an oral dose of 14C-labelled candesartan cilexetil about 30% and 70% of the total radioactivity is recovered in the urine and faeces, respectively.

Hydrochlorothiazide.

Hydrochlorothiazide is not metabolised and is excreted almost entirely as unchanged drug by glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion. The terminal t1/2 of hydrochlorothiazide is approximately 8 hours. Approximately 70% of an oral dose is eliminated in the urine within 48 hours. The half-life of hydrochlorothiazide remains unchanged (approximately 8 h) after administration of hydrochlorothiazide in combination with candesartan cilexetil. No accumulation of hydrochlorothiazide occurs after repeated doses of the combination compared to monotherapy.

Pharmacokinetics in special populations.

Candesartan cilexetil.

In the elderly (over 65 years), both Cmax and AUC of candesartan are increased by approximately 50% and 80%, respectively, in comparison to young subjects.
However, the blood pressure response and the incidence of adverse events are similar after a given dose of candesartan HCTZ in young and elderly patients.
In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, Cmax and AUC of candesartan increased during repeated dosing by approximately 50% and 70%, respectively, but t1/2 was not altered, compared to patients with normal renal function. The corresponding changes in patients with severe renal impairment were approximately 50% and 110% respectively. The terminal t1/2 of candesartan was approximately doubled in patients with severe renal impairment. The pharmacokinetics in patients undergoing haemodialysis were similar to those in patients with severe renal impairment.
In patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, there was a 23% increase in the AUC of candesartan. No initial dosage adjustment is necessary in these patients.

Hydrochlorothiazide.

The terminal t1/2 of hydrochlorothiazide is prolonged in patients with renal impairment.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

Genotoxicity.

Candesartan cilexetil alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide showed no evidence of genotoxic potential in a series of assays for gene mutations (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli), chromosomal aberrations (mouse micronucleus assay) and DNA damage (unscheduled DNA synthesis in rat liver). In addition, candesartan cilexetil alone showed no evidence of genotoxic potential in further assays for gene mutations (mouse L5178Y cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells). The active metabolite, candesartan, caused an increase in chromosomal aberrations in vitro (Chinese hamster lung cells) but not in vivo (mouse micronucleus test and chromosomal aberrations in rat bone marrow). However, hydrochlorothiazide had mutagenic activity in a mammalian cell assay (mouse L5178Y cells) and caused an increase in chromosomal aberrations in vitro (Chinese hamster lung cells). Candesartan at subclastogenic concentration did not modify these effects of hydrochlorothiazide. Hydrochlorothiazide also had a genotoxic activity in the sister chromatid exchange assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells and a nondisjunction assay in Aspergillus nidulans.

Carcinogenicity.

The carcinogenic potential of candesartan cilexetil in combination with hydrochlorothiazide has not been evaluated in animal studies.
Candesartan cilexetil alone was not carcinogenic when administered orally to mice and rats for 2 years at doses of up to 100 and 1000 mg/kg/day, corresponding to ca. 7 times and 260 times the clinical exposure at the maximum recommended daily human dose of 32 mg (based on AUC, respectively).
Hydrochlorothiazide alone was not carcinogenic in female mice in doses ca. 600 mg/kg/day, or in male and female rats at doses up to ca. 100 mg/kg/day in two year feeding studies. These doses correspond to ca. 110 times (female mice) or 40 times (male and female rats) the clinical exposure at the maximum recommended daily human dose of 25 mg (based on BSA). However, there was equivocal evidence for hepatocarcinogenicity in male mice that received ca. 600 mg/kg/day.

6 Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List of Excipients

Lactose monohydrate; carmellose calcium; maize starch; macrogol 8000; hyprolose; magnesium stearate; Pigment Blend PB-24880 pink (16/12.5 mg and 32/25 mg tablets only) and iron oxide yellow in the 32/12.5 mg tablets only.
The tablets are gluten free.

6.2 Incompatibilities

Incompatibilities were either not assessed or not identified as part of the registration of this medicine. See Section 4.5 Interactions with Other Medicines and Other Forms of Interactions.

6.3 Shelf Life

In Australia, information on the shelf life can be found on the public summary of the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The expiry date can be found on the packaging.

6.4 Special Precautions for Storage

Store below 25°C.

6.5 Nature and Contents of Container

APO-Candesartan HCTZ 16/12.5 tablets.

Blister pack (Alu-Alu) of 7 and 30 tablets (AUST R 210565).

APO-Candesartan HCTZ 32/12.5 mg tablet.

Blister pack (Alu-Alu) of 30 tablets (AUST R 210566).

APO-Candesartan HCTZ 32/25 mg tablet.

Blister pack (Alu-Alu) of 7 and 30 tablets (AUST R 210567).
APO and Apotex are registered trademarks of Apotex Inc.
Not all strengths or pack sizes may be available.

6.6 Special Precautions for Disposal

In Australia, any unused medicine or waste material should be disposed of by taking to your local pharmacy.

6.7 Physicochemical Properties

Candesartan is a white to off white powder and is practically insoluble in water. Hydrochlorothiazide is a sulfonamide derived drug. It is a white, or almost white crystalline powder and is very slightly soluble in water.

Chemical structure.

Candesartan.


Chemical Name: (±)-1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyl-oxy) ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl) biphenyl-4-yl] methyl]-1H-benzimadozole-7-carboxylate.
Molecular Formula: C33H34N6O6.
Molecular Weight: 610.67.

CAS number.

145040-37-5.

Chemical structure.

Hydrochlorothiazide.


Chemical Name: 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulphonamide 1, 1-dioxide.
Molecular Formula: C7H8N3S2O4Cl.
Molecular Weight: 297.75.

CAS number.

58-93-5.

7 Medicine Schedule (Poisons Standard)

Prescription Only Medicine (Schedule 4).

Summary Table of Changes