Candesartan Cilexetil
Generic Details
Generic Name
Candesartan-Cilexetil
Other Names
- Atacand
Drug Class
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Chemical Formula
C33H34N6O6
Molecular Weight
610.66 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the angiotensin type 1 receptors, leading to vasodilation and decreased aldosterone secretion.
Indications
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Post-myocardial infarction
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 4-32 mg once daily
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Start with lower doses due to the potential for decreased renal function
Side Effects
- Hypotension
- Hyperkalemia
- Renal impairment
- Dizziness
- Headache
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimesters)
- Hypersensitivity to candesartan or other ARBs
Pregnancy Category
- D
Lactation Safety
- Probably safe while breastfeeding
Drug Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics
- NSAIDs
- Lithium
Overdose Symptoms
- Hypotension
- Bradycardia
Antidote for Overdose
- Intravenous infusion of normal saline
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Extensively distributed in the body, primarily bound to plasma proteins
- Metabolism: Undergoes conversion to the active form, candesartan, by ester hydrolysis during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract
- Excretion: Eliminated mainly via the feces and urine
Precautions
- Renal impairment
- Salt or volume depletion
- Aortic or mitral stenosis
Warnings
- Hypotension
- Hyperkalemia
- Renal Impairment