What is candesartan?
Candesartan is an AT1 receptor blocker (also called Sartan) and is one of the most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications. It is used in high blood pressure and heart failure and offers an important alternative for patients who do not wear ACE inhibitors due to coughs.
Candesartan is available as a monopreparation and in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (Candesartan/HCT). Known brand names are Atacand®, Atacand® Plus and Blopress®.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Candesartan cilexetil
Candesartan blocks the angiotensin II receptor (AT1 receptor):
Active mechanism:
- Specifically blocking the AT1 receptor
- Angiotensin II cannot develop its vascular constrictive action
- The blood vessels expand, blood pressure drops
- Aldosterone release is inhibited
Difference to ACE inhibitors:
- Blocks the receptor directly (instead of inhibiting production)
- No influence on Bradykinin degradation
- Therefore no irritating cough as a side effect
- Rare occurrence of angioedema
Initiation of action: First blood pressure reduction after 2 hours. Maximum effect after 4-8 hours. Stable adjustment after 4-6 weeks.
Who is it suitable for?
Candesartan is suitable for:
- Adults with high blood pressure
- Heart failure (if ACE inhibitors are not tolerated)
- Patients with ACE inhibitors (as an alternative)
Especially recommended at:
- Incompatibility of ACE inhibitors
- Diabetes with high blood pressure
- Kidney diseases with proteinuria
Not suitable:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Heavy liver failure
- Side-side kidney arterial stenosis
- At the same time with aliens in diabetes
Available Dosages
High blood pressure:
- start dose: 8 mg once a day
- usual dose: 8-16 mg once a day
- Maximum dose: 32 mg daily
Sufficiency:
- start dose: 4 mg once a day
- Target dose: 32 mg once a day
- Slow increase every 2 weeks
Available starches:
- 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg tablets
Combination preparations:
- Candesartan + Hydrochlorothiazid (Candesartan/HCT, Atacand® Plus)
How to Take
Intake:
- Once a day, always at the same time
- Independent meals
- With sufficient water
Dosis adjustment:
- Beginning with 8 mg (high blood pressure) or 4 mg (health failure)
- Increase after 2-4 weeks possible
- Control blood pressure regularly
Important notes:
- Don't suddenly stop
- Regular kidney and potassium controls
- Drink enough
- avoid potassium salts
Contraindications
**Candesartan must not be taken at:* *
- hypersensitivity to Candesartan
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Severe liver insufficiency or gall congestion
- Simultaneous application with aliens in diabetes
Preview at:
- Restricted kidney function
- Renal arterial stenosis (one side)
- Increased potassium level
- Aortenstenose, mitralstenose
- Hypertropic cardiomyopathy
- Simultaneous dialysis
pregnant: AT1 blockers are contraindicated throughout pregnancy. You can cause severe damage to the unborn.
Possible Side Effects
Acid (1-10%):
- Squeeze
- Headaches
- Increased potassium values
- Kidney function changes
- Low blood pressure
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Back pain
- nausea
- fatigue
- respiratory infections
Selten:
- Angioedema (similar to ACE inhibitors)
- Liver malfunction
- Skin rash
Advantage over ACE inhibitors: No dry irritation! This is the main reason why Sartane is prescribed as an alternative to ACE inhibitor incompatibility.
Interactions
Contracted:
- Aliskiren in diabetes or kidney failure
Preview at:
- Potassium-saving diuretics (spironolactone, triamterene) → Hyperkaliemia
- NSAR (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) → reduced effect, kidney damage
- Lithium → raised mirrors
- Other blood pressure counter → increased effect
Important: Similar interaction profile as ACE inhibitors. Regular laboratory checks recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is candesartan right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.