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What Is Candesartan?

Candesartan cilexetil is a prescription angiotensin II receptor blocker. It is approved for hypertension in adults and children age 1 to under 17 and for heart failure in adults with reduced left ventricular systolic function. Tablets come in 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, and 32 mg strengths.

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What Is Candesartan?

Candesartan cilexetil is a prescription angiotensin II receptor blocker. It is approved for hypertension in adults and children age 1 to under 17 and for heart failure in adults with reduced left ventricular systolic function. Tablets come in 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, and 32 mg strengths.

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How Does Candesartan Block Angiotensin II?

Candesartan cilexetil is converted to candesartan during absorption. Candesartan selectively blocks angiotensin II from binding to AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. This reduces vasoconstriction and aldosterone-related effects, lowering blood pressure and reducing strain on the heart.

Who Is Treated With Candesartan?

Candesartan is approved for hypertension in adults and children age 1 to under 17. It is also used for New York Heart Association class II to IV heart failure in adults with left ventricular ejection fraction of 40 percent or less to reduce cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization.

How Is Candesartan Dosed?

Adults with hypertension commonly start at 16 mg once daily, with a total daily range of 8 mg to 32 mg. Adult heart failure treatment starts at 4 mg once daily and targets 32 mg once daily through dose increases about every two weeks as tolerated. Pediatric hypertension dosing is based on age and body weight.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Candesartan?

Candesartan carries a boxed warning for fetal toxicity and is stopped when pregnancy is detected. Other concerns include low blood pressure, worsening kidney function, and high potassium. Kidney function and serum potassium are checked in patients at increased risk. Aliskiren use with candesartan is contraindicated in patients with diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Candesartan

Is candesartan an ARB?

Yes. Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that selectively blocks AT1 receptors.

Can children take candesartan for hypertension?

Yes. Current labeling includes hypertension treatment in children age 1 to under 17.

What is the adult heart failure target dose?

The labeled target dose is 32 mg once daily, reached through gradual dose increases as tolerated.

Does candesartan have a boxed warning?

Yes. The boxed warning covers fetal toxicity from medicines that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system.

References

ATACAND (candesartan cilexetil) tablet. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=94a59260-d2b6-464a-b5b9-bbc599e57e10. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

Candesartan. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601033.html. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

Candesartan. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519501/. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

DailyMed - CANDESARTAN CILEXETIL tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=26df3269-3682-4ce0-be81-8c029254b5a8. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.

FDALabel - Candesartan Cilexetil. https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/ui/spl-summaries/criteria/386476. Date Accessed September 21, 2026.