Candesartan

A healthcare provider prescribes Candesartan to treat conditions such as high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. Candesartan works by lowering blood pressure and increasing the efficiency of the heart. However, candesartan is not a cure for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure. Side effects of candesartan include dizziness and back pain.

 

What Is Candesartan?

Candesartan (Atacand®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short.
 

Who Makes Candesartan?

Candesartan is manufactured by AstraZeneca.
 

What Is Candesartan Used For?

Uses of candesartan include:
 
Candesartan is not a cure for high blood pressure or congestive heart failure.
 
Candesartan has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click What Is Candesartan Used For? for more information on uses of candesartan, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Candesartan Work?

Candesartan is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers. As the name implies, candesartan blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, candesartan causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 
By helping blood vessels relax, candesartan also increases the efficiency of the heart. This means that the heart does not have to work as hard and more blood can be pumped out to the rest of the body. Both of these effects are helpful for a person with congestive heart failure.
 
(Candesartan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;