Candesartan – Blood Pressure & Heart Failure Treatment
Candesartan is a prescription medication belonging to the angiotensin II receptor blocker class. It is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, offering protection for the heart and kidneys.
Wissenswertes über "Candesartan"
Candesartan is a prescription medication belonging to the angiotensin II receptor blocker class. It is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, offering protection for the heart and kidneys.
What is Candesartan?
Candesartan (also known as candesartan cilexetil) is a prescription medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), sometimes referred to as sartans. Candesartan works by blocking the effects of a hormone called angiotensin II, which would otherwise raise blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels.
Mechanism of Action
Candesartan selectively blocks the AT1 receptor (angiotensin II type 1 receptor). Normally, angiotensin II binds to this receptor, causing blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise. By blocking this receptor, candesartan allows blood vessels to relax and widen, thereby lowering blood pressure. It also reduces the release of aldosterone, a hormone that causes the body to retain sodium and water, further contributing to blood pressure reduction.
Unlike ACE inhibitors, candesartan acts directly at the receptor level rather than inhibiting the ACE enzyme. As a result, the dry cough commonly associated with ACE inhibitors is rarely seen with candesartan, making it a preferred alternative for patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.
Indications
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and children aged 1 year and older
- Heart failure with reduced left ventricular function (as part of standard therapy)
- Kidney protection (nephroprotection) in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension
Dosage
The dosage of candesartan is determined individually by the treating physician, based on the condition being treated and the patient's kidney function.
- High blood pressure: Usual starting dose 4–8 mg once daily; target dose 8–32 mg per day
- Heart failure: Starting dose 4 mg once daily; gradually increased to a maximum of 32 mg per day
- Candesartan tablets can be taken with or without food.
Side Effects
Candesartan is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include:
- Common: Dizziness, headache, upper respiratory tract infections, back pain
- Uncommon: Renal impairment, low blood pressure (hypotension), elevated potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalaemia)
- Rare: Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), liver function disorders, anaemia
Compared to ACE inhibitors, candesartan is much less likely to cause a dry, persistent cough, making it a valuable alternative for patients who experience this side effect.
Contraindications and Warnings
- Pregnancy: Candesartan is contraindicated in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, as it can harm the unborn child. Use during the first trimester should only be considered after careful risk-benefit assessment.
- Breastfeeding: Use of candesartan during breastfeeding is not recommended.
- Severe renal impairment or bilateral renal artery stenosis: Caution is required due to the risk of further deterioration of kidney function.
- Combination with aliskiren (another blood pressure medication) is contraindicated in patients with diabetes or impaired kidney function.
Drug Interactions
Candesartan may interact with other medications:
- Potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements: Increased risk of hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels)
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac): May reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect and impair kidney function
- Lithium: Candesartan may increase lithium levels in the blood, raising the risk of lithium toxicity
References
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Summary of Product Characteristics for Candesartan, www.ema.europa.eu
- Williams B. et al. – 2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. European Heart Journal, 2018; 39(33):3021–3104.
- Rang H.P., Dale M.M. et al. – Rang and Dale's Pharmacology. 9th Edition. Elsevier, 2019.
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Related search terms: Candesartan + Candesartan Cilexetil + Candesartancilexetil