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.
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