Candesartan Cilexetil(can dah sar’ tan)
Atacand
PREGNANCY CATEGORY D
Drug Classes
Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
Antihypertensive
Therapeutic Actions
Selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to specific tissue receptors found in vascular smooth muscle and adrenal gland; this action blocks the vasoconstriction effect of the renin–angiotensin system as well as the release of aldosterone leading to decreased BP.
Indications
-
Treatment of hypertension, alone or in combination with other antihypertensives
-
Treatment of heart failure (New York Heart Association classes II–IV, ejection fraction 40% or less) to reduce risk of CV death and to reduce hospitalization for heart failure; may be combined with an ACE inhibitor
-
Unlabeled use: Prevention of migraines
Contraindications and Cautions
-
Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to candesartan, pregnancy (use during the second or third trimester can cause injury or even death to the fetus), lactation.
-
Use cautiously with renal impairment, hypovolemia.
Available Forms
Tablets—4, 8, 16, 32 mg
Dosages
Adults
-
Hypertension: Usual starting dose, 16 mg PO daily. Can be administered in divided doses bid with a total daily dose of 32 mg/day. Dose range: 8–32 mg a day.
-
Heart failure: 4 mg/day PO; may be doubled at 2 wk intervals to achieve target dose of 32 mg/day PO as a single dose.
Pediatric patients 6 to younger than 17 yr
-
Hypertension:
-
More than 50 kg: 8–16 mg/day PO; range, 4–32 mg/day PO once daily or in divided doses.
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
-
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
