amlodipine + candesartan (Zentiva)

Amlodipine + candesartan is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) medication developed by Zentiva (through its Zent2U out-licensing arm) for the management of hypertension. It combines two antihypertensive agents with complementary mechanisms: amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB), and candesartan cilexetil, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Amlodipine acts by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle cells, resulting in peripheral vasodilation and reduced systemic vascular resistance. Candesartan cilexetil is a prodrug that is rapidly hydrolyzed to candesartan, which selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor, thereby inhibiting vasoconstriction and the release of aldosterone. This dual approach provides more effective blood pressure control than either agent alone and is typically used when monotherapy is insufficient.

Brand names

Amlodipine/Candesartan Zentiva

Other names

amlodipine besilate + candesartan cilexetilcandesartan cilexetil + amlodipine besilate