Candesartan

Candesartan is a medicinal substance from the Sartane family. The molecular formula of candesartan is: C24H20N6O3 that of candesartancilexetil C33H34N6O6. Candesartan acts as an AT1-antagonist. Its action is based on a non-competitive inhibition of the AT1 receptor.

The absorption ester candesartancilexetil, a prodrug, is used pharmaceutically. Only upon absorption in the mucous membrane of the small intestine is it converted into the actual active form candesartan. The plasma half-life is about 9 hours. Candesartan is excreted biliarily to 67% and renally to 33%. The excretion is predominantly unchanged. It is also metabolized to a lesser extent in the liver by the enzyme CYP2C9.

Candesartan is used as an antihypertensive agent in essential arterial hypertension. In addition, it is approved for the treatment of patients with heart failure and impaired left ventricular systolic function in addition to ACE inhibitors or in patients with ACE inhibitor intolerance.

Respiratory infections, dizziness, headache, increased blood potassium levels, low blood pressure and impaired renal function.

Sporadically described have been:

• Pemphigus foliaceus (Bae YI et al. 2008)
• Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (Peña-Penabad C et al. 2003)

Atacand (protect^)®; Blopress®; Pemzek®; Amias®;

1. Bae YI et al (2008) Pemphigus foliaceus induced by an angiotensin II receptor blocker. Clin Exp Dermatol 33:721-723.
2. Gleiter CH et al. (2004) Candesartan. Cardiovasc Drug Rev 22:263-284.

3. Peña-Penabad C et al. (2003) Linear IgA bullous dermatosis induced by angiotensin receptor antagonists. On J med 114:163-164.