Candesartan is prescribed for:
- High blood pressure management
- Heart failure treatment
- Cardiovascular protection
- Migraine prevention (off-label)
It's particularly effective for heart failure patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.
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Candesartan
Generic Name: Candesartan Cilexetil
Brand Names: Atacand
Candesartan is an ARB used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, with strong evidence for heart failure benefit.
CardiovascularARB
What It's Used For
Side Effects
Common side effects:
- Dizziness
- Upper respiratory infection
- Back pain
- Fatigue
Serious side effects:
- Hypotension
- Hyperkalemia
- Renal dysfunction
- Angioedema
Additional Information
What is Candesartan?
Candesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker with strong clinical evidence for treating both hypertension and heart failure.
Heart Failure Benefits
The CHARM trials demonstrated that candesartan:
- Reduces hospitalizations for heart failure
- Improves symptoms and quality of life
- Decreases cardiovascular death
- Benefits patients with preserved or reduced ejection fraction
Dosing
Doses range from 4 mg to 32 mg daily. Your cardiovascular specialist will adjust the dose based on your response.
Learn more at MedlinePlus.
Related Health Conditions
This medication is commonly used to treat or manage the following conditions:
Migraine
Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition causing recurrent headaches with throbbing pain, nausea, and light/sound sensitivity, likely stemming from complex brain, nerve, and blood vessel interactions.
Learn More
Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension, an elevated pressure in the portal vein due to blockage often from cirrhosis or other pre-hepatic causes, can lead to serious complications like bleeding and ascites.
Learn More
Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension
Secondary pulmonary hypertension, unlike its primary form, arises from underlying conditions such as heart/lung disease, blood clots, or connective tissue disorders, increasing lung artery pressure.
Learn More
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Your doctor can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific health condition and medical history.
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