Amias

• Amias is the brand name for candesartan
• Amias is sometimes prescribed following a heart attack if heart failure occurs or the ventricles of the heart no longer work very well
• Amias is part of a family of heart medications called angiotensin-II receptor antagonists
• Amias is generally a well-tolerated medication, but common side effects include headaches and dizziness
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Angiotensin II is a chemical found naturally within the body. It makes the blood vessels constrict and become narrower. When the blood vessels are narrowed, the heart has to pump harder to move blood around the body. This puts a strain on the heart, and increases the blood pressure.

Amias is an angiotensin-II receptor antagonist. This means that it blocks the effect of angiotensin II, which in turn makes the blood vessels wider. Amias therefore helps to minimise the pressure on the heart and lowers the blood pressure.

Amias is therefore prescribed for heart failure as it takes the strain off the heart, and lowers the blood pressure.

Amias is available as a tablet. It should be swallowed with some water, and can be taken with or without food.

Dosage of Amias

Usually, Amias is only take once a day. However, the dose of Amias can vary from 2mg to 32mg daily.

When treating high blood pressure (hypertension), a common starting dose is 8mg once a day. If this does not adequately bring your blood pressure down to within the normal range, the dose may be increased after 4 weeks to 16mg once daily or even 32mg once daily.

Patients with kidney or liver disease may be started on a lower dose of 4mg once daily, before increasing the dose as necessary.

When treating heart failure, a common starting dose is 4mg once daily. This can be gradually increased up to 32mg once daily to achieve the best treatment outcome.

Like all medications, Amias can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Feeling dizzy or light-headed
• Headaches
• Respiratory infections.
• If any of these symptoms are troublesome or persist, you should speak to your doctor for advice.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Amias may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your doctor if you have:

• Kidney disease including damage to the blood vessels that supply your kidneys
• Disease of the heart valves or heart muscle
• Liver disease
• Cholestasis (a blockage preventing bile leaving the liver)
• Alcohol dependence or regularly drink alcohol
• Ever had an allergic reaction to Amias or another medication.

Amias may not be suitable if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. You must therefore speak to your prescriber before taking this medication.

Some medications can interact with Amias. You may be advised that Amias will not suit you if you already take:

• Ibuprofen or aspirin
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Lithium
• Some diuretics (sometimes known as “water tablets”)
• Some blood thinning medications including heparin.