Can I take Alcohol and Candesartan together?
Drug interaction guide
Originally published 25 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
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Drinking alcohol while taking candesartan can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. This can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, especially when you stand up quickly from a sitting or lying position. You might also experience a headache or a fast heartbeat.
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Why this happens
Both candesartan and alcohol work to lower blood pressure, but in different ways. Candesartan relaxes your blood vessels, and alcohol also causes blood vessels to widen (vasodilation). When used together, their effects add up, which can lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure (hypotension).
What you should do
Back to contentsIt is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol intake when you first start taking candesartan or when your dose is increased, as this is when you are most likely to feel dizzy. If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation, stay hydrated, and get up slowly from chairs or bed to avoid falls. If you feel very dizzy or faint, sit or lie down immediately and speak with your doctor.
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Important precautions
Back to contentsPregnancy
You must not take candesartan if you are pregnant. It can cause serious harm or death to an unborn baby, particularly if used during the second and third trimesters. If you plan to become pregnant or find out you are pregnant, contact your doctor immediately to switch to a safer alternative.
Low blood pressure (Hypotension)
Combining alcohol with candesartan can cause your blood pressure to drop too low. This may lead to severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when standing up quickly. It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol when starting this medicine or increasing the dose.
Food and drink warnings
Back to contentsSalt substitutes (Potassium-rich)
Candesartan can increase the levels of potassium in your blood. You should avoid using salt substitutes that contain potassium (often labelled as 'low sodium' salts) while taking this medicine, as this can lead to dangerously high potassium levels.
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Using other medicines
Back to contentsTaking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.
Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.
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Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
25 Jan 2026 | Originally published
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