CANDESARTAN CILEXETIL
| CANDESARTAN CILEXETIL (can-de-sar'tan ci-lex'e-til) Atacand Classifications: angiotensin ii receptor antagonist, antihypertensive; Therapeutic: antihypertensive, angiotensin ii receptor antagonist Prototype: Losartan Pregnancy Category: C first trimester; D second and third trimester |
Availability
4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg tablets
Action
Angiotensin II receptor (type AT1) antagonist. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor and primary vasoactive hormone of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Candesartan selectively blocks binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptors found in many tissues (e.g., vascular smooth muscle, adrenal glands).
Therapeutic Effect
Results in blocking the vasoconstricting and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II, resulting in an antihypertensive effect. Effectively lowers BP from hypertensive to normotensive range.
Uses
Hypertension, heart failure in conjunction with ACE inhibitor.
Contraindications
Known sensitivity to candesartan or any other angiotensin II (AT1) receptor antagonist (e.g., losartan, valsartan); primary hyperaldosteronism; bilateral renal artery stenosis; pregnancy (category C first trimester; category D second and third trimesters); lactation. Safety and effectiveness in children not established.
Cautious Use
Concurrent administration with high-dose diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics, or potassium salt substitutes; unilateral renal artery stenosis; aortic or mitral valve stenosis; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; CHF; diabetes; lactation; moderate heptic or renal impairment, significant renal failure.
Route & Dosage
| Hypertension Adult: PO Start at 16 mg q.d. (range 8–32 mg divided once or twice daily) Heart Failure Adult: PO Start at 4 mcg once daily, double the dose at 2 wk intervals as tolerated by the patient until a dose of 32 mg is reached Hepatic Impairment For patients with moderate hepatic impairment, initiate therapy at lower dose. |
Administration
Oral- Volume depletion should be corrected prior to initiation of therapy to prevent hypotension.
- Dose is individualized and may be given once or twice daily. The daily dose may be titrated up to 32 mg; larger doses are not likely to provide additional benefit.
Adverse Effects (≥1%)
Body as a Whole: Fatigue, peripheral edema, back pain, arthralgia. CV: Chest pain. GI: Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting. CNS: Headache, dizziness. Respiratory: Cough, sinusitis, upper respiratory infection, pharyngitis, rhinitis. Urogenital: Albuminuria.Interactions
Drug: Use with lithium may increase risk of lithium toxicity.Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Rapidly from GI tract; activated by ester hydrolysis; 15% reaches systemic circulation. Peak: Serum concentration, 3–4 h; therapeutic effect, 2–4 wk. Duration: 24 h. Distribution: >99% protein bound; crosses placenta; distributed into breast milk. Metabolism: Minimally in liver. Elimination: Primarily unchanged in bile (67%) and urine (33%). Half-Life: 9 h.Nursing Implications
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Monitor BP as therapeutic effectiveness is indicated by decreases in systolic and diastolic BP within 2 wk with maximal effect at 4–6 wk.
- Monitor for transient hypotension in volume/salt-depleted patients; if hypotension occurs, place in supine position and notify physician.
- Monitor BP periodically; trough readings, just prior to the next scheduled dose, should be made when possible.
- Lab tests: Periodically monitor BUN and creatinine, serum potassium, liver enzymes, and CBC with differential.
Patient & Family Education
- Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant.
- You may not notice maximum pressure-lowering effect for 6 wk.
- Report episodes of dizziness especially when making position changes.
Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; 
Canadian drug name; 
Prototype drug