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Atacand (CANDESARTAN CILEXETIL)
Atacand blocks the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels, to lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
Atacand (Candesartan Cilexetil) is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker, a small molecule developed by AstraZeneca and currently owned by Ani Pharms. It targets the type-1 angiotensin II receptor to treat chronic heart failure and hypertensive disorders. Approved by the FDA in 1998, Atacand is now off-patent with multiple generic manufacturers. As an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker, it works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, to lower blood pressure and improve heart function. Key safety considerations include monitoring kidney function and blood pressure.
At a glance
| Generic name | CANDESARTAN CILEXETIL |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | ANI Pharmaceuticals |
| Drug class | Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker |
| Target | Type-1 angiotensin II receptor |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Metabolic |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1998 |
Mechanism of action
Mechanism of Action. Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin in reaction catalyzed by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, kininase II). Angiotensin II is the principal pressor agent of the renin-angiotensin system, with effects that include vasoconstriction, stimulation of synthesis and release of aldosterone, cardiac stimulation, and renal reabsorption of sodium. Candesartan blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor in many tissues, such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. Its action is, therefore, independent of the pathways for angiotensin II synthesis.There is also an AT2 receptor found in many tissues, but AT2 is not known to be associated with cardiovascular homeostasis. Candesartan has much greater affinity (>10,000-fold) for the AT1 receptor than for the AT2 receptor.Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system with ACE inhibitors, which inhibit the biosynth
Approved indications
- Chronic heart failure
- Hypertensive disorder
Boxed warnings
- WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY • When pregnancy is detected, discontinue candesartan cilexetil tablets as soon as possible [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. • Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • When pregnancy is detected, discontinue candesartan cilexetil tablets as soon as possible. (5.1, 8.1) • Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. (5.1, 8.1)
Common side effects
- upper respiratory tract infection
- back pain
- dizziness
- influenza-like symptoms
- pancreatitis
- jaundice
- sialadenitis
- cramping
- constipation
- gastric irritation
- anorexia
- aplastic anemia
Key clinical trials
- The COVID-RASi Trial (COVID-19) (PHASE3)
- Drug-Drug Interaction Study to Evaluate the Effect of Colestilan on the Pharmacokinetics of Single Doses of Candesartan Cilexetil in Healthy Subjects (PHASE1)
- Multi-Arm Multi-Stage Adaptive Platform Trial (APT) for the Acute Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (PHASE2)
- Association of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers With Post-Stroke Pneumonia: A Real-World Retrospective Cohort Study
- An Observational Study to Learn More About the Real-world Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure Who Initiate Treatment With Vericiguat in Japan
- Improved Treatment and Monitoring of Alzheimer's Disease (PHASE2)
- Candesartan for Migraine Prevention: (PHASE2)
- Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of SPC1001 Low in Patients With Essential Hypertension (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Atacand CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Atacand updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- ANI Pharmaceuticals portfolio CI