Candesartan Cilexetil

The typical dosage of Candesartan for adults is:

• Hypertension: The usual starting dose is 16 mg once daily. Dosage can be adjusted depending on the patient’s response, with a range of 8 mg to 32 mg per day.
• Heart Failure: The initial dose is 4 mg once daily, which may be increased gradually to a target dose of 32 mg per day based on the patient’s tolerance and clinical response.

Candesartan is contraindicated in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity to candesartan or any of the components in the formulation.
• Pregnancy: Candesartan should not be used during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, due to the risk of fetal harm.
• Severe liver or kidney impairment without proper monitoring.

Patients taking Candesartan Cilexetil should be advised to:

• Take the medication regularly, even if they feel well, as hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms.
• Avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium unless recommended by a healthcare provider, as Candesartan can increase potassium levels.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly and keep a record to share with their healthcare provider.
• Stay hydrated, especially during illness, heat, or exercise, as dehydration can lower blood pressure too much and cause dizziness.
• Inform their healthcare provider if they become pregnant while taking Candesartan, as it can cause harm to the developing fetus.
• Be aware of any symptoms of high potassium levels, such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or tingling sensations, and report them to their healthcare provider.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Upper respiratory infections (cough, sore throat)
• Diarrhea

• High Potassium Levels (Hyperkalemia): Symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat.
• Kidney Dysfunction: Symptoms include changes in the amount of urine, swelling in the extremities, or weight gain due to fluid retention.
• Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Particularly in people who are volume-depleted (e.g., due to dehydration, diuretic use, or vomiting).
• Allergic Reactions: Rare but can include rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

Risk of Fetal Harm: Candesartan can cause injury or death to a developing fetus if used during pregnancy. Patients should discontinue use as soon as pregnancy is detected.

Hyperkalemia: Candesartan may cause high potassium levels, which can be dangerous. Patients on potassium supplements, salt substitutes, or other medications that affect potassium levels should be monitored closely.

Kidney Impairment: Patients with kidney disease may need regular monitoring of kidney function while on Candesartan, as the drug can affect kidney function.

Candesartan may interact with other medications, including:

• Potassium Supplements or Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: These can increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which can reduce the effectiveness of Candesartan and increase the risk of kidney damage.
• Lithium: Candesartan can increase the levels of lithium in the blood, leading to potential toxicity.
• Diuretics (Water Pills): Can increase the risk of low blood pressure, particularly when initiating Candesartan therapy.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications and supplements they are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Alternatives to Candesartan for treating high blood pressure and heart failure include:

• Other ARBs: Such as losartan, valsartan, and irbesartan, which work similarly to Candesartan.
• ACE Inhibitors: Such as lisinopril or enalapril, which also block the effects of angiotensin but work through a different mechanism.
• Calcium Channel Blockers: Such as amlodipine or nifedipine, which relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure.
• Beta-Blockers: Such as metoprolol or carvedilol, are used to manage heart failure and hypertension.

The choice of treatment depends on the patient’s health, response to previous medications, and potential side effects.