Other Brands/Names

Canderin Duo, Canderin 8, Canderin 16, Candesartan Cilexetil, Blopress, Desarvas 8, Candepress, Candotens 8, Candotens 16, Unisia, Blocand 8, Blocand 16, Blopress Plus 16, Candefar 8, Candefar 16, Candefion, Quatan, Gionix.

How It Works

Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that blocks the action of certain natural substances that constrict blood vessels, helping the blood vessels to dilate so blood can flow more easily.

Indications

Candesartan may be used as a single treatment or combined with other medicines to manage high blood pressure. It is also used to treat congestive heart failure (a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body), can be given as a single treatment or combined with other medicines.

Contraindication

• A history of hypersensitivity to candesartan.

• Severe hepatic impairment and/or cholestasis (reduced or obstructed bile flow from the liver).

• Children under 1 year old.

• Concomitant treatment with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus or moderate to severe renal impairment.

Side Effects

• Dizziness, fatigue, or lightheadedness may occur as your body adapts to the medicine. A runny nose or sore throat may also appear. If these effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor immediately.

   

• Seek medical attention immediately if you experience serious side effects, including fainting or hyperkalemia symptoms (such as muscle weakness or a bradycardia/arrhytmia).

   

• Although candesartan can help prevent or help treat kidney disorders, rarely, candesartan can cause serious issues for kidneys or worsen the existing kidney disease. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function while you are taking candesartan. Tell your doctor right away if you notice signs of kidney problems, such as changes in urine output.

Types

It is available in tablet containing 8 mg or 16 mg candesartan.

Dosage

• Adults: Initial dose is 8 mg once daily, titrated based on clinical response. Maximum dose is 32 mg/day, given as a single dose or divided into two doses.
• Children 1 to <6 years: Initial dose is 0.2 mg/kg once daily. Maintenance dose is 0.05–0.4 mg/kg/day as a single daily dose or in two divided doses. Maximum dose is 0.4 mg/kg daily.
• Children 6 to <17 years weighing <50 kg: Start 4–8 mg once daily, titrate the dose to 2–16 mg/day based on patient's response; children with weigh >50 kg: start 8–16 mg once daily, titrate to 4–32 mg/day based on patient's response.

Safety

• This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks that require you to be alert until you can do so safely.
• This medicine may increase potassium levels. Consult your doctor before taking any potassium supplements.
• Elderly may be more sensitive to adverse effects, particularly dizziness, hyperkalemia, and changes in urine output (a possible sign of kidney disease).
• It is unknown whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Greater risk of hypotension if candesartan is combined with high-dose diuretics or anesthetics.

• Increased blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) with potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone), potassium supplements, or other potassium-raising medicines (e.g., heparin/blood thinners).

• Reduced efficacy, higher risk of worsening renal function, and hyperkalemia when used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., aspirin).

• Potentially fatal effect can occur if candesartan is administered with aliskiren in patients with diabetes. The drug interaction may increase the risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia.

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