Candesartan

Candesartan

Candesartan belongs to the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) family. These medications help manage blood pressure and heart problems. The active substance relaxes your blood vessels and improves blood flow throughout your body. Blood pressure reduction becomes even more effective when doctors combine it with diuretics like chlorthalidone. 

This complete guide explains what candesartan is, its uses, proper dosage, side effects, and how to take it safely.

What is Candesartan?

Candesartan cilexetil blocks the effect of a hormone (called angiotensin II). This hormone makes blood vessels tighten & signals the kidneys to retain sodium. The medication helps blood vessels relax, which lets blood flow easily. It is one of the most potent AT1 receptor blockers by weight.

Candesartan works differently from regular medicines. Your body gets it as a prodrug (candesartan cilexetil) that becomes active during absorption in your digestive system. This unique feature affects the way your body processes the medicine.

Candesartan Tablet Uses

The main goals for candesartan tablets include:

• Treating high blood pressure in adults and children aged 1 to 16 years
• Managing heart failure in adults to reduce hospital visits for heart problems
• Delaying diabetic nephropathy progression
• Helping with left ventricular hypertrophy

Research suggests candesartan might help prevent migraines, though doctors haven't officially approved it for this purpose yet. 

How and When to Use Candesartan Tablet

• You should take your tablet at the same time each day. 
• Just swallow it whole with water, with or without food. Taking it with food might help if you get an upset stomach.
• Your doctor will start you on a low dose. They will check your blood pressure after a few weeks and might run blood tests to monitor your kidney function and potassium levels.

Side Effects of Candesartan Tablet

Common side effects include:

• Feeling dizzy or fainting 
• Vertigo
• Headaches

These symptoms usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Serious reactions (are rare) include:

• Liver problems (yellowing of eyes or skin)
• Blood disorders
• Allergic reactions
• Changes in sodium and potassium levels
• Severe diarrhoea or vomiting 

Precautions

• Your doctor needs to monitor blood pressure and kidney function through regular check-ups while you take candesartan. 
• You might feel dizzy or lightheaded, particularly when you stand up from sitting or lying down. These symptoms make driving or operating machinery dangerous.
• Candesartan can harm or kill an unborn baby, which means pregnant women must avoid it completely. You should tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this medication.
• Severe vomiting, diarrhoea, or excessive sweating can lead to dehydration and dangerous blood pressure drops. Your doctor needs to know if you experience these conditions.
• You should get medical approval before using salt substitutes (that contain potassium). 

How Candesartan Tablet Works

The medication blocks type 1 angiotensin II receptors in blood vessels. This blocking action stops angiotensin II from binding to these receptors and prevents blood vessels from narrowing. Blood vessels relax and widen as a result, which lowers blood pressure and reduces heart strain.

This medication targets type 1 receptors more than 10,000 times more effectively than type 2 receptors. Such high selectivity helps reduce unwanted side effects.

Can I Take Candesartan with Other Medicines?

Candesartan can interact with other medicines. These include but not limited to:

• Diuretics
• Lithium
• Other blood pressure medicines like aliskiren, enalapril, or lisinopril
• Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin 
• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes with potassium
• Trimethoprim

Dosage Information

• Adults:
  • For high blood pressure: Start with 16 mg once daily, with possible adjustments between 8-32 mg daily. 
  • For heart failure treatment: Start with 4 mg once daily (gradually increase it to 32 mg).
• Children aged 6-16 years: 
  • Weight less than 50 kg: Starts with 4-8 mg daily 
  • Weight more than 50 kg: Starts with 8-16 mg daily

The medication shows some effects within 2 weeks, but you might need 4-6 weeks to see full benefits. 

Conclusion

Candesartan is a valuable medication that helps people with high blood pressure and heart failure. This powerful angiotensin receptor blocker relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow throughout the body. 

Most patients see improvements within two weeks of starting treatment (full benefits take 4-6 weeks to appear). The medication helps countless people manage their blood pressure and live healthier lives when taken properly under medical supervision.

FAQs

1. Is candesartan high risk?

Candesartan has a good safety profile for most patients. In spite of that, patients with kidney problems, low blood pressure, or severe liver disease need to be careful. 

2. How long does candesartan take to work?

Your blood pressure might start dropping within the first 2 weeks of treatment. The full benefits usually appear after 4 to 6 weeks. Your doctor will check your blood pressure regularly to ensure the medication works properly.

3. What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose once you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose skip the missed one and stick to your regular schedule. You should never double your dose to catch up on a forgotten tablet.

4. What happens if I overdose?

An overdose can cause dizziness, fainting, and an irregular heart rate. You should call emergency services right away if you suspect an overdose. Take your medication packaging with you to help medical staff provide the right treatment.

5. What not to take with candesartan?

Avoid taking candesartan with the following medicines including but not limited to:

• NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium
• Aliskiren 
• Lithium 

6. Who cannot take candesartan?

• Pregnant women should not take candesartan, as it can harm the unborn baby. 
• People with severe liver disease, biliary obstruction or children (under 1 year old) cannot take this medicine. 
• The medication is not safe for anyone allergic to candesartan or its ingredients.

7. When should I take candesartan?

Take your candesartan dose once daily at the same time. You can take it with or without food. Taking it with meals might help if you experience stomach upset. A consistent schedule helps maintain steady medicine levels in your bloodstream.

8. How many days to take candesartan?

You will need to take candesartan as a long-term treatment. In fact, most patients need to take this medication for life to keep their blood pressure under control. The medicine works best when blood levels stay steady.

9. When to stop candesartan?

Your doctor must approve before you stop taking candesartan. Stopping suddenly might cause dangerous blood pressure spikes and raise your risk of heart attacks or strokes. 

10. Is it safe to take candesartan daily?

Yes, it is. Candesartan gives the best results with daily use. Your steady blood levels help protect you from future heart attacks and strokes.

11. What is the best time to take candesartan?

The morning usually works best. Taking it at the same time each day matters most.

12. What to avoid when taking candesartan?

You should limit your alcohol intake since it can increase the blood pressure-lowering effects. Stay away from potassium-containing salt substitutes. NSAIDs like ibuprofen can make the medicine less effective and harm your kidneys.

13. Is candesartan safe for the kidneys?

Candesartan can protect diabetic kidneys, but your doctor needs to check your kidney function regularly. The combination of candesartan with diuretics and NSAIDs can risk kidney damage.

14. What is the best combination with candesartan?

Diuretics work well with candesartan to control blood pressure. Your doctor might also prescribe certain heart failure medications with it.