Candesartan

The active ingredient Candesartan is one of the most prescribed hypertension drugs in the market. It belongs to the group of sartans or angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARB).Sartans are receptor antagonists of the ACE receptors and, in addition to the ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, are the most important drugs for lowering blood pressure. They block the docking site or the receptor of the hormone angiotensin II and suppress its action. Normally, this hormone causes a rise in blood pressure because it provokes vasoconstriction, decreased kidney circulation as well as increased recovery of sodium ions and hence water in the kidneys. Sartans have relatively few side effects as they interfere with the hormone control loop later than the ACE inhibitors.

• Hypertension
• Cardiac insufficiency or heart failure (when ACE inhibitors are not tolerated or are not sufficiently effective as a single medication)

The natural regulation of blood pressure is a normal body function. If more energy is needed, the body automatically increases blood pressure, and during the periods of rest he automatically lowers it. A disturbance in this natural system can lead to high blood pressure and the human usually does not feel that. Therefore, he does not notice when hypertension gradually gets worse. Constant unnoticed hypertension especially affects small vessels, as they can be found in the eye and in the kidney. Long-term unrecognized hypertension may result in loss of vision and severe kidney dysfunction. In order to prevent consequential damage, the affected persons must do sports, eat healthily and take antihypertensive medication.

The drug is a sartan and is involved in the so-called renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system of the human body, which regulates the electrolyte and fluid balance and thus is also responsible for the regulation of blood pressure. As a relatively young drug it has a very good tolerability. Candesartan is a angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It inhibits the formation of vasoconstrictor messengers such as angiotensin II and enhances the formation of vasodilators such as Bradykinin. By taking the drug, the blood pressure is regulated and the heart is relieved.

The therapy starts with a low dosage of 4 - 8 mg. Depending on the doctor's instructions, the dose will be increased within a few weeks until the blood pressure is adequately regulated.

The tablets are taken once a day. Candesartan can be supplemented with other blood pressure regulating medications, such as the the dehydrating agent hydrochlorothiazide called HCT.

• Candesartan-Patient Leaflet

The following side-effects may occur:

• Common: Dizziness, tiredness and circulatory problems
• Uncommon: Gastrointestinal discomfort and heart stumbling
• Potassium levels may increase during treatment. In this case should be dispensed with a further potassium intake.

If any of the above or other side effects occur, tell your doctor immediately. Read the leaflet for detailed information on the side effects, contraindications and drug interactions.

Candesartan increases the effect of:

• Remedies for depression like Amitriptyline or Imipramine

The following remedies reduce the effect of Candesartan:

• Painkillers such as Acetylsalicylic acid and Ibuprofen
• If the renal function is impaired, take a lower dose due to the slow elimination
• In impaired liver function, the conversion to the effective form takes longer and the effect occurs later
• Pregnant women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy are not allowed to take Candesartan

We understand that when prescribing this medicine, it should be checked beforehand if the patient is suitable for the blood pressure medication. Apomeds connects you to certified online pharmacies and EU-accredited physicians who check your completed questionnaire for contraindications and interactions with other medicines. Antihypertensive drugs are only prescribed via follow-up prescription.

Other Hypertension medications:

• Lisinopril,
• Ramipril,
• Losartan,
• Bisoprolol,
• Enalapril.

You can fill out an online questionnaire that will be approved by licences doctors we work with. If you are eligible for the high blood pressure medication, the follow-up prescription will be issued to you and sent home together with the remedy in a discrete package.