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Atacand: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Atacand - General Information

Atacand, a specific angiotensin II antagonist, is used alone or with other antihypertensive agents to treat hypertension. Atacand competes with angiotensin II for binding at the AT1 receptor subtype. As angiotensin II is a vasoconstrictor which also stimulates the synthesis and release of aldosterone, blockage of its effects results in a decreases in systemic vascular resistance.

 

Pharmacology of Atacand

Atacand, a specific angiotensin II antagonist, is used alone or with other antihypertensive agents to treat hypertension. Unlike the angiotensin receptor antagonist losartan, Atacand does not have an active metabolite or possess uricosuric effects.

 

Atacand for patients

 

Atacand Interactions

No significant drug interactions have been reported in studies of candesartan cilexetil given with other drugs such as glyburide, nifedipine, digoxin, warfarin, hydrochlorothiazide, and oral contraceptives in healthy volunteers, or given with enalapril to patients with heart failure (NYHA class II and III). Because candesartan is not significantly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system and at therapeutic concentrations has no effects on P450 enzymes, interactions with drugs that inhibit or are metabolized by those enzymes would not be expected.

Lithiumó Reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with ACE inhibitors, and with some angiotensin II receptor antagonists. An increase in serum lithium concentration has been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with ATACAND, so careful monitoring of serum lithium levels is recommended during concomitant use.

 

Atacand Contraindications

ATACAND is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of this product.

 

Additional information about Atacand

Atacand Indication

For the treatment of hypertension.

Mechanism Of Action
Atacand competes with angiotensin II for binding at the AT1 receptor subtype. As angiotensin II is a vasoconstrictor which also stimulates the synthesis and release of aldosterone, blockage of its effects results in a decreases in systemic vascular resistance.
Drug Interactions
Amiloride Increased risk of hyperkaliemia
Food Interactions
Take without regard to meals.
Generic Name
Candesartan
Synonyms
Candesartan cilexetil
Drug Category
Antihypertensive Agents; Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved; Investigational
Other Brand Names containing Candesartan
Atacand; Blopress; Amias; Ratacand;
Absorption
Following administration of the candesartan cilexetil prodrug, the absolute bioavailability of candesartan was estimated to be 15%. Food with a high fat content has no affect on the bioavailability of candesartan from candesartan cilexetil.
Toxicity (Overdose)
No lethality was observed in acute toxicity studies in mice, rats and dogs given single oral doses of up to 2000 mg/kg of candesartan cilexetil or in rats given single oral doses of up to 2000 mg/kg of candesartan cilexetil in combination with 1000 mg/kg of hydrochlorothiazide. In mice given single oral doses of the primary metabolite, candesartan, the minimum lethal dose was greater than 1000 mg/kg but less than 2000 mg/kg.
Protein Binding
Candesartan is highly bound to plasma proteins (>99%) and does not penetrate red blood cells.
Biotransformation
During absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, the prodrug candesartan cilexetil undergoes rapid and complete ester hydrolysis to form the active drug, candesartan. Elimination of candesartan is primarily as unchanged drug in the urine and, by the biliary route, in the feces. Minor hepatic metabolism of candesartan occurs by O -deethylation to form an inactive metabolite.
Half Life
Approximately 9 hours.
Dosage Forms of Atacand
Tablet Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name
2-ethoxy-3-[[4-[2-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]phenyl]methyl]benzimidazole-4-carboxylic acid
Chemical Formula
C24H20N6O3
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals