candesartan cilexetil

Candesartan cilexetil is an orally administered prodrug that is rapidly converted in the gastrointestinal tract to its active form, candesartan. It is a small molecule angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that selectively antagonizes the type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1), thereby inhibiting the effects of angiotensin II on blood pressure and cardiovascular remodeling. Candesartan lowers blood pressure by blocking vasoconstriction and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II, leading to reduced peripheral resistance and decreased sodium and water retention. It is primarily indicated for the treatment of hypertension in adults and children aged 1 year or older, as well as for heart failure (NYHA class II-IV) with left ventricular systolic dysfunction to reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalizations due to heart failure[1][5][8]. The drug was patented in 1990, approved for medical use in 1997, and has a favorable side effect profile compared to ACE inhibitors due to a lower incidence of cough[6][8].

Brand names

Atacand

Other names

candesartancandesartan cilexetil