How does it work?

Candesartan cilexetil is a type of medicine called an angiotensin II antagonist. It works by preventing the action of a hormone in the body called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II normally acts on special receptors in the body, with two main results. Firstly, it causes the peripheral blood vessels to narrow, and secondly, it stimulates the production of another hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone causes salt and water to be retained by the kidneys, which increases the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. Candesartan blocks the receptors that angiotensin II acts on, and so prevents its actions. The main result of this is that the peripheral blood vessels are allowed to widen, which means that there is more space and less resistance in these blood vessels. This is the main mechanism by which the pressure in the blood vessels is lowered. Blocking the actions of angiotensin II also reduces the action of aldosterone on the kidneys. The result of this is an increase in the amount of fluid removed from the blood by the kidneys. This decreases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which also lessens the resistance and pressure in the blood vessels. The combined overall effect of these changes is to lower the blood pressure.

What is it used for?

High blood pressure with no known cause

Warning!

People with decreased kidney function should have regular blood tests to monitor the levels of potassium and creatinine in their blood while taking this medicine.

People with high blood pressure due to high levels of the hormone aldosterone (primary hyperaldosteronism) do not generally respond to this type of blood pressure lowering medicine, and it is not recommended for these people.

The safety and efficacy of this medicine in children has not been studied by the manufacturer.

Use with caution in

Decreased fluid volume in the body due to, eg diuretic therapy, low salt diet, kidney dialysis, diarrhoea, vomiting

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Disease of the blood vessels in and around the brain (cerebrovascular disease)

Heart disease caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart

Heart disease characterised by thickening of the internal heart muscle and a blockage inside the heart (hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy)

Heart valve disease

Kidney disease

Narrowing of the artery which supplies blood to the kidneys (renal artery stenosis)

Narrowing of the main artery of the body (aortic stenosis)

Severe heart failure

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Failure of normal bile flow to the intestine (cholestasis)

Pregnancy

Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Skin rashes

Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema)

Cold or flu-like symptoms

Dizziness

Inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis)

Inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) causing a blocked or runny nose

Upper airway infections

Nausea

Back pain

Alteration in results of liver function tests

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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