Description
Candesartan belongs to a family of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers. It is used to lower high blood pressure in adults and children over 6 years of age, and to treat heart failure in adults.
Candesartan works by relaxing blood vessels. Angiotensin II is a chemical that the body releases to cause the constriction (tightening up) of blood vessels. Candesartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, resulting in the relaxation of the blood vessels. This relaxation causes the blood pressure to decrease. It takes about 2 weeks for this medication to begin lowering blood pressure, and about 4 weeks for it to reach its full effect.
For adults with high blood pressure, the usual recommended starting dose of candesartan is 16 mg once daily. Reductions in blood pressure are often seen within 2 weeks, and the full effects on blood pressure are seen in about 4 weeks. Your doctor may decide to increase the dose to 32 mg once a day if your blood pressure has not decreased enough. A diuretic (water pill) may also be added to help reduce blood pressure.
For children with high blood pressure, the dose of candesartan is based on body weight. The usual starting dose for children weighing less than 50 kg is 4 mg once daily. This dose may be increased to a maximum daily dose of 8 mg. For children weighing more than 50 kg, the usual starting dose is 8 mg once daily. This dose may be increased to a maximum daily dose of 16 mg.
For adults with heart failure the usual recommended starting dose of candesartan is 4 mg once daily. Depending on how well you tolerate the medication, the dose may be doubled every 2 weeks to a maximum daily dose of 32 mg.
