MedDataToolCandesartan
Candesartan is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten, helping to relax and widen them, which lowers blood pressure. It is usually taken as a tablet once daily. A key warning is that it should not be used by people who are allergic to it or by those with diabetes if they are also taking a specific other medication called aliskiren. Additionally, patients with severe kidney problems should not use it, as it has not been studied in that group.
Uses
- Candesartan cilexetil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged 1 to less than 17 years.
- Lowering blood pressure helps reduce the risk of serious heart problems, such as strokes and heart attacks.
- It is also used to treat heart failure in adults with specific heart conditions (NYHA class II-IV).
- Candesartan cilexetil can help reduce the risk of death from heart problems and decrease hospital visits for heart failure.
- This medication can be used alone or with other blood pressure-lowering medications.
Dosage
- For adults with high blood pressure, the starting dose is 16 mg once daily, with a target dose of 8 to 32 mg daily.
- For children aged 1 to less than 6 years, the starting dose is 0.20 mg/kg once daily, with a range of 0.05 to 0.4 mg/kg.
- For children aged 6 to less than 17 years, those weighing less than 50 kg should start with 4 to 8 mg daily, while those over 50 kg should start with 8 to 16 mg daily.
- For adults with heart failure, the initial dose is 4 mg once daily, with a target dose of 32 mg once daily, increased gradually as tolerated.
- Candesartan cilexetil can be taken with or without food.
- Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
Side Effects
- Common side effects for adults with high blood pressure include headache (0.6%) and dizziness (0.3%).
- In adults with heart failure, common side effects include low blood pressure (4.1%), abnormal kidney function (6.3%), and high potassium levels (2.4%).
- Serious side effects may include worsening kidney function and severe allergic reactions (angioedema).
- In children, there have been reports of worsening kidney disease in some patients.
- If you experience severe symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Warnings
Important- Candesartan cilexetil can cause low blood pressure, especially in patients who are dehydrated or on diuretics.
- Monitor kidney function and potassium levels while taking this medication.
- Pregnant women should not take this medication as it can harm the fetus.
- Children under 1 year of age should not use candesartan cilexetil for hypertension.
- Avoid using this medication with other drugs that affect kidney function or potassium levels.
Drug Interactions
- Lithium — may increase lithium levels and toxicity.
- NSAIDs — may lead to kidney problems and reduce the effectiveness of candesartan.
- Potassium supplements — can increase potassium levels and risk of hyperkalemia.
- ACE inhibitors — combined use can increase risks of low blood pressure, high potassium, and kidney issues.
- Aliskiren — should not be used with candesartan in patients with diabetes or kidney problems.
Source: View Full FDA-Approved Drug Label
Information simplified from FDA-approved drug labeling.
Patient Guide
What is this medicine used for?
- Used for treating high blood pressure in adults and children aged 1 to under 17.
- Also used for managing heart failure in adults with specific heart conditions.
How should I take it?
- Take this medicine once daily, with or without food.
- Adjustments may be needed based on your blood pressure response.
Common side effects
- Headache or dizziness.
- Hypotension or abnormal renal function.
What should I avoid?
- Avoid using this medicine if you are allergic to it.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
When should I contact a doctor?
- Contact a doctor if you experience severe dizziness or fainting.
- Seek help if you notice signs of kidney problems, like decreased urination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Candesartan work in the body?
Candesartan blocks the effects of angiotensin II, lowering blood pressure.
Who should not take Candesartan?
Patients allergic to Candesartan or those with severe kidney issues should avoid it.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Candesartan?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but skip if it's close to the next dose.
Can Candesartan be taken with other medications?
Candesartan can interact with certain drugs, especially those affecting potassium levels.
Is Candesartan safe during pregnancy?
Candesartan can harm the fetus; discontinue if pregnancy is detected.
Alternative Medications
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).