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Candesartan Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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Special Alerts

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) and Cancer Risk

June 2011

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified healthcare providers of the results from an ongoing review of ARB use and cancer risk. In June 2010, a published meta-analysis of 5 clinical trials reported a statistically significant increased risk of developing cancer in patients who received treatment with ARBs compared to those who did not. The FDA has completed a meta-analysis of 31 trials to further investigate the association between ARB use and cancer risk. The results of the FDA meta-analysis, along with other available data, have found no evidence for an increased risk of cancer with ARB use.

For additional information, see http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm257516.htm

ALERT: U.S. Boxed Warning

The FDA-approved labeling includes a boxed warning. See Warnings/Precautions section for a concise summary of this information. For verbatim wording of the boxed warning, consult the product labeling or www.fda.gov.

Pronunciation

(kan de SAR tan)

Generic Available (U.S.)

No

Index Terms

  • Candesartan Cilexetil

Brand Names: U.S.

  • Atacand®

Brand Names: Canada

  • Apo-Candesartan
  • Atacand®
  • CO Candesartan
  • Sandoz-Candesartan

Pharmacologic Category

  • Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker
  • Antihypertensive

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • A-II RA
  • A-II RB
  • Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist
  • Hypertension Treatment Agent
  • Hypotensive Agent

Use: Labeled Indications

Alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents in treating hypertension; treatment of heart failure (NYHA class II-IV)

Pregnancy Risk Factor

C (1st trimester); D (2nd and 3rd trimesters)

Pregnancy Considerations

[U.S. Boxed Warning]: Drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. Discontinue as soon as possible once pregnancy is detected. The use of drugs which act on the renin-angiotensin system are associated with oligohydramnios. Oligohydramnios, due to decreased fetal renal function, may lead to fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal malformations. Use is also associated with anuria, hypotension, renal failure, skull hypoplasia, and death in the fetus/neonate. The exposed fetus should be monitored for fetal growth, amniotic fluid volume, and organ formation. Infants exposed in utero should be monitored for hyperkalemia, hypotension, and oliguria.

Lactation

Enters breast milk/contraindicated

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to candesartan or any component of the formulation

Warnings/Precautions

Boxed warnings:

• Pregnancy: See “Special populations” below.

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Hyperkalemia: May occur; risk factors include renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements and/or potassium containing salts. Use cautiously, if at all, with these agents and monitor potassium closely.

• Renal function deterioration: May be associated with deterioration of renal function and/or increases in serum creatinine, particularly in patients with low renal blood flow (eg, renal artery stenosis, heart failure) whose glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is dependent on efferent arteriolar vasoconstriction by angiotensin II; deterioration may result in oliguria, acute renal failure, and progressive azotemia. Small increases in serum creatinine may occur following initiation; consider discontinuation only in patients with progressive and/or significant deterioration in renal function.

Disease-related concerns:

• Aortic/mitral stenosis: Use caution in patients with significant aortic/mitral stenosis.

• Heart failure: Use caution when initiating in heart failure; may need to adjust dose, and/or concurrent diuretic therapy, because of candesartan-induced hypotension.

• Hepatic impairment: Use caution in patients with moderate hepatic impairment. Contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment and/or cholestasis.

• Hypovolemia: Avoid use or use a smaller dose in patients who are volume depleted; correct depletion first.

• Renal artery stenosis: Use candesartan with caution in patients with unstented unilateral/bilateral renal artery stenosis. When unstented bilateral renal artery stenosis is present, use is generally avoided due to the elevated risk of deterioration in renal function unless possible benefits outweigh risks.

• Renal impairment: Use with caution with pre-existing renal insufficiency and severe renal impairment. Pediatric patients with a GFR <30 mL/minute/1.73m2 should not receive candesartan; has not been evaluated.

Concurrent drug therapy issues:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: Although concurrent therapy with an ACE inhibitor may be rational in select patients, concurrent use may increase the risk of clinically-significant adverse events (eg, renal dysfunction, hyperkalemia).

Special populations:

• Pediatrics: Children <1 year of age must not receive candesartan; has not been evaluated.

• Pregnancy: [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. Discontinue as soon as possible once pregnancy is detected.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Anesthesia/surgery: Hypotension may occur during major surgery and anesthesia; use cautiously before, during, and immediately after such interventions.

Adverse Reactions

Cardiovascular: Angina, hypotension (heart failure 19%), MI, palpitation, tachycardia

Central nervous system: Anxiety, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache, lightheadedness, somnolence, vertigo

Dermatologic: Angioedema, rash

Endocrine & metabolic: Hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia (heart failure <1% to 6%), hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia

Gastrointestinal: Dyspepsia, gastroenteritis

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Back pain, CPK increased, myalgia, paresthesia, weakness

Renal: Serum creatinine increased (up to 13% in patients with heart failure with drug discontinuation required in 6%), hematuria

Respiratory: Dyspnea, epistaxis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, upper respiratory tract infection

Miscellaneous: Diaphoresis increased

<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Abnormal hepatic function, agranulocytosis, anemia, hepatitis, hyponatremia, leukopenia, neutropenia, pruritus, renal failure, renal impairment, rhinitis, sinusitis, thrombocytopenia, urticaria; rhabdomyolysis has been reported (rarely) with angiotensin-receptor antagonists

Metabolism/Transport Effects

Substrate of CYP2C9 (minor); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential; Inhibits CYP2C8 (weak), CYP2C9 (weak)

Drug Interactions

ACE Inhibitors: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of ACE Inhibitors. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Alfuzosin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antihypertensives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Amifostine: Antihypertensives may enhance the hypotensive effect of Amifostine. Management: When amifostine is used at chemotherapy doses, antihypertensive medications should be withheld for 24 hours prior to amifostine administration. If antihypertensive therapy can not be withheld, amifostine should not be administered. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Antihypertensives: May enhance the hypotensive effect of other Antihypertensives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Diazoxide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antihypertensives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Eplerenone: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Herbs (Hypertensive Properties): May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Herbs (Hypotensive Properties): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antihypertensives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Hypotensive Agents: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Hypotensive Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Lithium: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers may increase the serum concentration of Lithium. Management: Lithium dosage reductions will likely be needed following the addition of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the orthostatic hypotensive effect of Orthostatic Hypotension Producing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Methylphenidate: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Specifically, the combination may result in a significant decrease in renal function. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. The combination of these two agents may also significantly decrease glomerular filtration and renal function. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pentoxifylline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antihypertensives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: May enhance the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Potassium Salts: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Potassium-Sparing Diuretics. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Prostacyclin Analogues: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antihypertensives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

RiTUXimab: Antihypertensives may enhance the hypotensive effect of RiTUXimab. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Sodium Phosphates: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers may enhance the nephrotoxic effect of Sodium Phosphates. Specifically, the risk of acute phosphate nephropathy may be enhanced. Management: Consider avoiding this combination by temporarily suspending treatment with ARBs, or seeking alternatives to oral sodium phosphate bowel preparation. If the combination cannot be avoided, maintain adequate hydration and monitor renal function closely. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Tolvaptan: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Trimethoprim: May enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Yohimbine: May diminish the antihypertensive effect of Antihypertensives. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions

Food: Potassium supplements and/or potassium-containing salts may cause or worsen hyperkalemia. Management: Consult prescriber before consuming a potassium-rich diet, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes.

Herb/Nutraceutical: Dong quai has estrogenic activity. Ephedra, yohimbe, and ginseng may worsen hypertension. Garlic may increase antihypertensive effect of candesartan. Management: Avoid dong quai if using for hypertension. Avoid ephedra, yohimbe, ginseng, and garlic.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

Mechanism of Action

Candesartan is an angiotensin receptor antagonist. Angiotensin II acts as a vasoconstrictor. In addition to causing direct vasoconstriction, angiotensin II also stimulates the release of aldosterone. Once aldosterone is released, sodium as well as water are reabsorbed. The end result is an elevation in blood pressure. Candesartan binds to the AT1 angiotensin II receptor. This binding prevents angiotensin II from binding to the receptor thereby blocking the vasoconstriction and the aldosterone secreting effects of angiotensin II.

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Onset of action: 2-3 hours

Peak effect: 6-8 hours

Duration: >24 hours

Distribution: Vd: 0.13 L/kg

Protein binding: >99%

Metabolism: Parent compound bioactivated during absorption via ester hydrolysis within intestinal wall to candesartan

Bioavailability: 15%

Half-life elimination (dose dependent): 5-9 hours

Time to peak: 3-4 hours

Excretion: Urine (26%)

Dosage

Oral:

Hypertension:

Children 1 to <6 years: Initial: 0.2 mg/kg/day in 1-2 divided doses; titrate to response (within 2 weeks, antihypertensive effect usually observed); usual range: 0.05 to 0.4 mg/kg/day; maximum daily dose: 0.4 mg/kg/day

Children 6 to <17 years:

<50 kg: Initial: 4-8 mg/day in 1-2 divided doses; titrate to response (within 2 weeks, antihypertensive effect usually observed); usual range: 2-16 mg/day; maximum daily dose: 32 mg/day

>50 kg: Initial: 8-16 mg/day in 1-2 divided doses; titrate to response (within 2 weeks, antihypertensive effect usually observed); usual range: 4-32 mg/day; maximum daily dose: 32 mg/day

Adults: Dosage must be individualized. Initial: 16 mg once daily; titrate to response (within 2 weeks, antihypertensive effect usually observed); usual range: 8-32 mg/day in 1-2 divided doses; maximum daily dose: 32 mg/day.

Heart failure: Adults: Initial: 4 mg once daily; double the dose at 2-week intervals, as tolerated; target dose: 32 mg once daily

Note: In selected cases, concurrent therapy with an ACE inhibitor may provide additional benefit.

Elderly: No initial dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients (although higher concentrations (Cmax) and AUC were observed in these populations), for patients with mildly impaired renal function, or for patients with mildly impaired hepatic function.

Dosage adjustment in renal impairment:

Children 1 to <17 years: No dosage adjustment provided in manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied). Children with GFR <30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 should not receive candesartan.

Adults: No initial dosage adjustment necessary; however, in patients with severe renal impairment (Clcr <30 mL/minute/1.73m2) AUC and Cmax were approximately doubled after repeated dosing.

Dosage adjustment in hepatic impairment:

Mild impairment: No initial dosage adjustment necessary.

Moderate impairment: Consider initiation at lower dosages (AUC increased by 145%).

Severe impairment: No dosage adjustment provided in manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied).

Administration: Oral

Administer without regard to meals.

Monitoring Parameters

Supine blood pressure, electrolytes, serum creatinine, BUN, urinalysis, symptomatic hypotension, and tachycardia; in heart failure, serum potassium during dose escalation and periodically thereafter

Patient Education

Take with or without food. This drug does not eliminate need for diet or exercise regimen as recommended by prescriber. May cause dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, postural hypotension, nausea, or vomiting. Report chest pain or palpitations; unusual weight gain or swelling of ankles and hands; persistent fatigue; unusual flu or cold symptoms or dry cough; respiratory difficulty; swelling of eyes, face, or lips; skin rash; muscle pain or weakness; or unusual bleeding (blood in urine).

Geriatric Considerations

High concentrations occur in the elderly compared to younger subjects. AUC may be doubled in patients with renal impairment. No initial dose adjustment necessary since repeated dose did not demonstrate accumulation of drug or metabolites in elderly.

Additional Information

May have an advantage over losartan due to minimal metabolism requirements and consequent use in mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment

Anesthesia and Critical Care Concerns/Other Considerations

Clinical Pearls/Comments: In patients on chronic angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy, intraoperative hypotension may occur with induction and maintenance of general anesthesia; however, discontinuation of therapy prior to surgery is controversial. If continued preoperatively, avoidance of hypotensive agents during surgery is prudent. Episodes of intraoperative hypotension may be managed by fluid administration and/or modest doses of alpha-adrenergic agents. If discontinued preoperatively, reinstitute when patient is hemodynamically stable. Patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery should have therapy reinstituted once the patient is stable or initiated in those who were not receiving ACE inhibition prior to CABG surgery; continue indefinitely (Hillis, 2011).

Cardiovascular Considerations

Heart Failure (HF): Currently, the use of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) should not supersede angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) in the treatment of HF. One may be considered, however, when an ACEI cannot be tolerated. Because they are angiotensin II blockers rather than inhibitors of ACE, ARBs do not cause increases in bradykinin levels. ELITE II (Pitt, 2000) compared losartan (50 mg/day) with captopril (150 mg/day) in a HF population (mean EF 31%). There were 280 deaths in the losartan group and 250 in the captopril group. Mortality was insignificantly higher for losartan (17.7% vs 16% for captopril). The secondary endpoint (sudden cardiac death or resuscitated cardiac arrest) favored captopril, but the improvement did not achieve statistical significance. The discontinuation rate for adverse events was significantly lower for losartan. In the doses used, losartan appears to be less effective or as effective as captopril.

CHARM-Alternative is a prospective, randomized trial (Granger, 2003) in ACE inhibitor intolerant patients with HF. Patients were randomized to candesartan (target dose: 32 mg/day; mean dose at 6 months: 23 mg/day) or placebo. Baseline characteristics included NYHA Class II or III (97% of patients), and mean LVEF 30%. Therapy included beta-blocker (55%), diuretic (86%), spironolactone (24%), and digitalis (46%). During a 33-month follow-up, the combined primary endpoint (CV death or HF hospitalizations) was significantly reduced in the candesartan group mainly because of reduced hospitalization. Death due to cardiovascular disease was not significantly different. There were significantly more MIs (75) in the candesartan group than in the placebo group (48). Candesartan was discontinued because of hypotension, renal dysfunction, and hyperkalemia.

Heart Failure (HF)s: Concomitant ACE-I Therapy: The Val-HeFT study (Cohn, 2001) randomized HF patients maintained on standard therapy to valsartan (320 mg/day; mean dose 254 mg/day) or placebo. The primary outcome was mortality and a combined endpoint of morbidity and mortality (cardiac arrest, hospitalization for HF, need for intravenous inotrope or vasodilator). Patients (5010 in number) with predominately NYHA class II or III HF (85% on diuretic; 67% on digoxin; 35% on beta-blocker; ~93% on ACEI; 5% on spironolactone) were randomized to valsartan or placebo. The mean duration of follow-up was 23 months. Overall mortality was similar in both groups. The incidence of combined endpoints was lower with valsartan than placebo (p=.009) primarily because of decreased HF hospitalizations in the valsartan group. In a posthoc analysis of the endpoints in subgroups defined by baseline treatments (ACEI or beta-blockers), valsartan had a positive effect on patients receiving neither or one of these drugs. A higher incidence of mortality was seen in patients receiving valsartan in combination with an ACEI and a beta-blocker.

The CHARM-Added trial is a prospective, randomized trial (McMurray, 2003) evaluating the addition of candesartan therapy (target dose: 32 mg/day; mean dose at 6 months: 24 mg/day) to HF patients maintained on an ACEI. Baseline characteristics: NYHA class II (24%), class III (73%), and mean LVEF 28%. Baseline therapy was similar to CHARM-Alternative except all patients were maintained on an ACEI and ~55% were on a beta-blocker. The median duration of follow-up was 41 months. The combined primary endpoint (CV death or HF hospitalizations) was significantly reduced in the candesartan group.

Hypertension: According to the 2003 JNC 7 guidelines for the treatment of hypertension, most patients with hypertension will require treatment with at least 2 antihypertensives. First-line therapy for hypertension is a diuretic (eg, hydrochlorothiazide or chlorthalidone). When a diuretic cannot be used or when a compelling indication exists for another drug, other types of antihypertensives may be used (eg, ACEIs, ARBs, beta-blockers, CCBs). Angiotensin II receptor blockers are among the multiple choices of agents that have shown benefit in a number of different patient subtypes. Compelling indications for an ARB include patients with heart failure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. The LIFE trial (Dahlof, 2002) confirmed that ARB (losartan 50-100 mg daily) was better tolerated than a beta-blocker (atenolol), and resulted in significant reduction in mortality, angina, or HF hospitalization (primary endpoint). Stroke and new-onset diabetes were significantly reduced in the losartan treatment group.

Treatment should be targeted to a goal blood pressure of <140/90 mm Hg. If diabetes or renal disease coexists, the blood pressure goal should be <130/80 mm Hg.

Myocardial Infarction: The 2004 ACC/AHA STEMI guidelines suggest an angiotensin receptor blocker should be administered to STEMI patients who are intolerant of ACE inhibitors and who have either clinical or radiological signs of heart failure or LVEF <0.4. The OPTIMAAL trial evaluated whether losartan (50 mg/day) would be superior or noninferior to captopril (150 mg/day) in post-MI patients. They were randomized to one of two treatments and followed up for 2.7 years. There was no difference between the two treatment groups (499 deaths in losartan group; 447 deaths in the captopril-treated group). The VALIANT trial compared the effects of valsartan, captopril, and the combination in patients who had suffered a recent MI (0.5 to 10 days prior) complicated by left ventricular systolic dysfunction (Pfeffer, 2003). The primary endpoint was mortality from any cause. Mortality in the valsartan group and the valsartan-captopril group was similar to the captopril group alone. Valsartan was found to be noninferior to captopril in this patient population. Combining valsartan with captopril increased the rate of adverse events without improving survival. Hypotension and renal dysfunction were more common in the valsartan group. Cough, rash, and taste disturbances were more common in the captopril group.

Cautions: ARB therapy may elicit an increase in potassium and creatinine, especially when used in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis. Severe hypotension may occur in patients who are sodium- and/or volume-depleted; initiate lower doses and monitor closely when starting therapy in these patients. Concomitant NSAID therapy may attenuate blood pressure control; use of NSAIDs should be avoided or limited, with monitoring of blood pressure control. In the setting of HF, NSAID use may be associated with an increased risk for fluid accumulation and edema. Because of the lack of effect on the response to bradykinin, angiotensin receptor blockers are less likely to be associated with nonrenin-angiotensin effects such as cough and angioedema. The angiotensin II antagonists do not cause increases in levels of bradykinin as the ACEIs do.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

No significant effects or complications reported

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

May cause dizziness or drowsiness; may rarely cause anxiety or depression

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

None reported

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Evaluate renal status and history prior to beginning treatment. Assess for potential interactions (eg, increased risk for hypotension, hyperkalemia). Assess results of laboratory tests (electrolytes, serum creatinine, BUN, urinalysis). Monitor for reduced hypertension. Monitor for tachycardia, CNS changes, hyperglycemia, and hypotension prior to treatment, when changing dose, and throughout therapy.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.

Tablet, oral, as cilexetil:

Atacand®: 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg [scored]

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Tablets (Atacand)

4 mg (30): $84.99

8 mg (30): $77.99

16 mg (30): $85.99

32 mg (30): $111.99

Extemporaneously Prepared

Oral suspension may be made in concentrations ranging from 0.1-2 mg/mL; typically 1 mg/mL oral suspension suitable for majority of prescribed doses; any strength tablet may be used. A 1 mg/mL (total volume: 160 mL) oral suspension may be made with tablets and a 1:1 mixture of Ora-Plus® and Ora-Sweet SF®. Prepare the vehicle by adding 80 mL of Ora-Plus® and 80 mL of Ora-Sweet SF® or, alternatively, use 160 mL of Ora-Blend SF®. Add a small amount of vehicle to five 32 mg tablets and grind into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle. Transfer the paste to a calibrated amber PET bottle, rinse the mortar and pestle clean using the vehicle, add this to the bottle, and then add a quantity of vehicle sufficient to make 160 mL. The suspension is stable at room temperature for 100 days unopened or 30 days after the first opening; do not freeze; label “shake well before use.” (Atacand® prescribing information, 2011).

Atacand® prescribing information, AstraZeneca LP, Wilmington, DE, 2011.

References

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Antman EM, Anbe SC, Alpert JS, et al, “ACC/AHA Guidelines for the Management of Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction - Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Revise the 1999 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction),” Circulation, 2004, 110(5):588-636. Available at http://www.circulationaha.org/cgi/content/full/110/5/588

Antman EM, Hand M, Armstrong PW, et al, “2007 Focused Update of the ACC/AHA 2004 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines,” J Am Coll Cardiol, 2008, 51(2):210-49.

Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, et al, “The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure: The JNC 7 Report,” JAMA, 2003, 289(19):2560-71.

Cohn JN and Tognoni G, “Valsartan Heart Failure Trial Investigators. A Randomized Trial of the Angiotensin-Receptor Blocker Valsartan in Chronic Heart Failure,” N Engl J Med, 2001, 345(23):1667-75.

Conlin P, Moore T, Swartz S, et al, “Effect of Indomethacin on Blood Pressure Lowering by Captopril and Losartan in Hypertensive Patients,” Hypertension, 2000, 36(3):461-5.

Dahlof B, Devereux RB, Kjeldsen SE, et al, “Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality in the Losartan Intervention for Endpoint Reduction in Hypertension Study (LIFE): A Randomised Trial Against Atenolol,” Lancet, 2002, 359(9311):995-1003.

Dickstein K and Kjekshus J, “Effects of Losartan and Captopril on Mortality and Morbidity in High-Risk Patients After Acute Myocardial Infarction: The OPTIMAAL Randomised Trial. Optimal Trial in Myocardial Infarction With Angiotensin II Antagonist Losartan,” Lancet , 2002, 360(9335):752-60.

Epstein BJ and Gums JG, “Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Versus ACE Inhibitors: Prevention of Death and Myocardial Infarction in High-Risk Populations,” Ann Pharmacother, 2005, 39(3):470-80.

Granger CB, McMurray JJ, Yusuf S, et al, “Effects of Candesartan in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Reduced Left-Ventricular Systolic Function Intolerant to Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme Inhibitors: The CHARM-Alternative Trial,” Lancet, 2003, 362(9386):772-6.

Hamroff G, Katz SD, Mancini D, et al, “Addition of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockade to Maximal Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition Improves Exercise Capacity in Patients With Severe Congestive Heart Failure,” Circulation, 1999, 99(8):990-2.

Hillis LD, Smith PK, Anderson JL, et al, “2011 ACCF/AHA Guideline for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines,” Circulation, 2011, 124(23):2610-42.

Hunt SA, Abraham WT, Chin MH, et al, “2009 Focused Update Incorporated into the ACC/AHA 2005 Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Heart Failure in Adults: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines Developed in Collaboration With the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation,” J Am Coll Cardiol, 2009, 53(15):e1-e90.

“K/DOQI Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease: Evaluation, Classification, and Stratification. Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative,” Am J Kidney Dis, 2002, 39(2 Suppl 2):1-246. Available at http://www.kidney.org/professionals/KDOQI/guidelines_ckd/toc.htm

Lindenfeld J, Albert NM, Boehmer JP, et al, “HFSA 2010 Comprehensive Heart Failure Practice Guideline,” J Card Fail, 2010, 16(6):e1-194.

McInnes GT, O'Kane KP, Jonker J, et al, “The Efficacy and Tolerability of Candesartan Cilexetil in an Elderly Hypertensive Population,” J Hum Hypertens, 1997, 11(Suppl 2):75-80.

McKelvie RS, Yusuf S, Pericak D, et al, “Comparison of Candesartan, Enalapril, and Their Combination in Congestive Heart Failure: Randomized Evaluation of Strategies for Left Ventricular Dysfunction (RESOLVD) Pilot Study: The RESOLVD Pilot Study Investigators,” Circulation, 1999, 100(10):1056-64.

McMurray JJ, Ostergren J, Swedberg K, et al, “Effects of Candesartan in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Reduced Left-Ventricular Systolic Function Taking Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme Inhibitors: The CHARM-Added Trial,” Lancet, 2003, 362(9386):767-71.

Morsing P, Adler G, Brandt-Eliasson U, et al, “Mechanistic Differences of Various AT1-Receptor Blockers in Isolated Vessels of Different Origin,” Hypertension, 1999, 33(6):1406-13.

Pfeffer MA, McMurray JJ, Velazquez EJ, et al, “Valsartan, Captopril, or Both in Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Heart Failure, Left Ventricular Dysfunction, or Both,” N Engl J Med, 2004, 350(2):203.

Pitt B, Poole-Wilson PA, Segal R, et al, “Effect of Losartan Compared With Captopril on Mortality in Patients With Symptomatic Heart Failure: Randomised Trial - The Losartan Heart Failure Survival Study ELITE II,” Lancet, 2000, 355(9215):1582-7.

Reif M, White WB, Fagan TC, et al, “Effects of Candesartan Cilexetil in Patients With Systemic Hypertension. Candesartan Cilexetil Study Investigators,” Am J Cardiol, 1998, 82(8):961-5.

Riegger GA, Bouzo H, Petr P, et al, “Improvement in Exercise Tolerance and Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure During Treatment With Candesartan Cilexetil,” Circulation, 1999, 100(22):2224-30.

Sipahi I, Debanne SM, Rowland DY, et al, “Angiotensin-Receptor Blockade and Risk of Cancer: Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials,” Lancet Oncol, 2010, 11(7):627-36.

Smith SC Jr, Benjamin EJ, Bonow RO, et al, “AHA/ACCF Secondary Prevention and Risk Reduction Therapy for Patients With Coronary and Other Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: 2011 Update: A Guideline From the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Foundation,” Circulation, 2011, 124(22):2458-73.

Swedberg K, Pfeffer M, Granger C, et al, “Candesartan in Heart Failure - Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and Morbidity (CHARM): Rationale and Design. Charm-Programme Investigators,” J Card Fail, 1999, 5(3):276-82.

Yusuf S, Pfeffer MA, Swedberg K, et al, “Effects of Candesartan in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Preserved Left-Ventricular Ejection Fraction: The CHARM-Preserved Trial,” Lancet, 2003, 362(9386):777-81.

International Brand Names

  • Amias (GB, IE)
  • Atacand (AR, AT, AU, BB, BE, BF, BG, BJ, BM, BR, BS, BZ, CH, CI, CN, CO, CR, CZ, DE, DK, DO, EE, ES, ET, FI, FR, GH, GM, GN, GR, GT, HN, IE, IL, JM, KE, KP, LR, MA, ML, MR, MU, MW, MX, MY, NE, NG, NI, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PR, PT, RU, SC, SD, SE, SG, SL, SN, SV, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UG, UY, ZA, ZM, ZW)
  • Bilaten (CN)
  • Blopress (AE, AT, BB, BH, BM, BR, BS, BZ, CH, CL, CR, CY, DE, DO, EC, EG, GT, GY, HK, HN, ID, IQ, IR, IT, JM, JO, JP, KW, LB, LY, MX, MY, NI, NL, OM, PA, PE, PH, PK, PR, QA, SA, SR, SV, SY, TH, TT, TW, VE, YE)
  • Blox (CN)
  • Candelotan (KP)
  • Candesar (IN, KP)
  • Candez (PH)
  • Cantar (IN)
  • Kenzen (FR)
  • Minart (CR, DO, GT, HN, NI, PA, SV)
  • Tiadyl (AR, PY)

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Last full review/revision March 2012

Content last modified March 2012

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