Amias

What is Amias?

Amias is a branded version of the generic medication candesartan. It’s a tablet that you take once a day. Amias is most commonly used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

High blood pressure is a common condition that affects more than one billion people worldwide ^[1]. Essentially, it means that the pressure inside your blood vessels is higher than it should be.

When left unchecked, hypertension can put a strain on your body over time. It can silently damage your arteries, heart, brain and other vital organs. By taking control of your blood pressure, you can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications down the road.

In addition, Amias is also prescribed for heart failure patients with reduced heart muscle function. This is particularly beneficial when other types of hypertension medications, like Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, are ineffective.

How does Amias work?

This medication works by helping your blood vessels relax and widen, which leads to a drop in your blood pressure. Amias also makes it easier for your heart to pump blood throughout your entire body.

Let’s dive a little deeper into how candesartan cilexetil, the active ingredient in Amias, works. Candesartan belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin II receptor antagonists or blockers (ARBs), which are used to treat high blood pressure and reduced heart muscle function.

The active ingredient works by curbing the action of a hormone in your body called angiotensin II. This hormone is known to cause blood vessel constriction, which causes your blood pressure to go up. But ARBs, including candesartan, block essential receptors that angiotensin II binds to, found in the heart, kidney, and blood vessels. So, with the action of this hormone blocked, you get better blood pressure control and long-term well-being for your heart.

What doses of Amias are there?

Amias is available in five different dosages or strengths:

• 2mg
• 4mg
• 8mg
• 16mg
• 32mg

The 4mg, 8mg, 16mg, and 32mg tablets can be split in half to create two equal doses.

How to take Amias

When it comes to taking this medicine, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

When taking Amias, remember to:

• take it every day, ideally at the same time (this helps to build a habit so that you remember to take it).
• swallow it with a drink of water. You can take the tablet with or without food.

How long does it take Amias to work?

You can expect to notice improvements when taking Amias in around 4 weeks. In most clinical trials, a dose of 8mg of the active ingredient, candesartan cilexetil, effectively brought blood pressure down to healthy levels within 4 weeks for most patients. However, some required higher doses of 16mg or 32mg to achieve the desired outcomes ^[1].

It’s important to keep in mind that everyone responds to medications differently. What works well for one person may not have the same effect for another. As a result, the time needed for Amias to take effect can vary from patient to patient.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Amias?

If you happen to forget to take your dose of Amias, don’t worry. Simply take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s already the next day, just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. If you find that you often forget to take your medication, setting an alarm or asking your clinician for advice can be helpful to ensure that you stay on track.

It’s important not to take two doses at once to make up for the one you missed. This is because taking too much candesartan can have some unwanted effects like low blood pressure and dizziness.

The amount of candesartan that can lead to an overdose can vary from person to person. So, if you take more than the recommended dose and start experiencing any side effects, don’t hesitate to seek medical help right away.