| drug | Candesartan |
| name | Candesartan Cilexetil |
| classification | Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist (ARA II) or AT1 receptor blocker |
| pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Well absorbed after oral administration, bioavailability is approximately 30-40%. Peak plasma concentrations are reached in 2-4 hours. | | distribution | Candesartan is widely distributed in the body, with high concentrations in the kidneys and lungs. It crosses the placenta but is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. | | metabolism | Metabolized primarily to the active metabolite, candesartan, by the liver. | | excretion | Eliminated mainly by the kidneys as metabolites. The half-life of the active metabolite can vary but generally ranges from 9 to 11 hours. | | special considerations | Renal impairment can affect the clearance of the drug, potentially increasing blood levels. |
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| suggested dosage | | initial | 4mg orally once daily; may increase every 2-4 weeks, maximum dose is 32mg once daily | | adult 70kg typical | 8mg once daily | | note | Dosage should be tailored to the individual patient's needs based on blood pressure control and tolerability. Consultation with a physician is necessary. |
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| indications | Treatment of essential hypertension (high blood pressure). It may also be used for heart failure, as well as diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes |
| safety pregnancy | Category C. Limited human data. Should be used only if potential benefit outweighs potential risk. Discuss with a physician during pregnancy. |
| safety breastfeeding | Available data are limited. The drug is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Use should be considered cautiously or avoided depending on the clinical need and the potential risk to the infant. |
| side effects | | 1 | Dizziness | | 2 | Headache | | 3 | Fatigue | | 4 | Drowsiness | | 5 | Hypotension (low blood pressure, especially at the beginning of therapy) | | 6 | Cough | | 7 | Diarrhea | | 8 | Nausea | | 9 | Vomiting | | 10 | Kidney problems (rare) | | 11 | Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) - watch for in patients with kidney issues |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Hypersensitivity to candesartan or other ingredients | | 2 | Severe renal impairment or dialysis | | 3 | Bilateral renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys on both sides) |
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| interactions | | 1 | Lithium (requires monitoring): | | 2 | Potassium-sparing diuretics and potassium supplements: Increased risk of hyperkalemia | | 3 | NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): May reduce the blood pressure lowering effect | | 4 | Other blood pressure medications, ACE inhibitors, and ARBs: Risk of additive hypotensive effect. | | 5 | Certain medications used to treat infections or other illnesses |
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| warnings precautions | | 1 | Monitor blood pressure closely, especially during initial therapy and dosage adjustments | | 2 | Monitor renal function, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal disease or dehydration | | 3 | Monitor potassium levels, particularly in patients with renal impairment or those taking potassium-sparing diuretics | | 4 | Avoid use during pregnancy unless clearly indicated and monitored by a physician | | 5 | Caution in elderly patients due to potential for increased sensitivity to the drug. |
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| additional informations | Candesartan is a widely prescribed medication for hypertension. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and appropriate dosage, considering individual medical history and other medications. |
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