Description
Sarcozide is a combination antihypertensive medication that contains an angiotensin II receptor blocker (candesartan cilexetil) and a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). It is used for the treatment of hypertension in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with monotherapy.
Indications for Use
Treatment of hypertension in patients not adequately controlled by either candesartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone.
Not recommended as initial therapy.
Dosage and Method of Administration
Usual starting dose of candesartan monotherapy: 16 mg once daily.
Sarcozide 16/12.5 mg may be used in patients not responding adequately to monotherapy.
Full antihypertensive effect is usually seen within 4 weeks.
Not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).
In mild hepatic impairment: use with caution. In moderate impairment, start with 8 mg candesartan alone — Sarcozide is not suitable for titration.
Special notes:
Patients with hypovolemia or hyponatremia (due to diuretics, diarrhea, etc.) require medical supervision during initiation.
Can be taken with or without food.
Contraindications
-Hypersensitivity to any component
-Anuria
-Severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min)
-Severe hepatic impairment
-Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment
-Pregnancy and breastfeeding
-Allergy to sulfonamide derivatives (due to hydrochlorothiazide)
Precautions
-Risk of hypotension, particularly in volume-depleted patients
-Monitor electrolytes: potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium
-May cause hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia
-Caution in patients with gout, diabetes, lupus erythematosus
-Photosensitivity reported — advise sun protection
-May alter glucose tolerance — dose adjustments may be needed in diabetes
-Discontinue before parathyroid testing
-May increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels
-Possible renal function impairment — monitor kidney function
Side Effects
Nervous system: headache, dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, depression
Cardiovascular: hypotension, tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations, edema
Gastrointestinal: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gastritis, vomiting, hepatitis
Renal: urinary tract infection, renal impairment
Skin: rash, itching, eczema, photosensitivity
General: fatigue, weakness, infections
Metabolic: hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia, increased creatinine
Rare: rhabdomyolysis, agranulocytosis, pancreatitis, nephritis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy:
Category D — contraindicated. May cause fetal harm or death.
Breastfeeding:
Not recommended due to potential adverse effects.
Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Packaging
Carton box contains 2 strips of 10 tablets and an insert leaflet.
