Kenzen (Candesartan Cilexetil)

• Candesartan Cilexetil acts on the renin‑angiotensin‑aldosterone system to lower blood pressure and reduce cardiac workload.
• Hypertension: helps achieve target blood pressure and reduces risk of cardiovascular events.
• Heart failure: improves symptoms, decreases hospitalisations and prolongs survival in patients with reduced ejection fraction.

• Candesartan Cilexetil is a prodrug that is rapidly converted to candesartan, a selective antagonist of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor. By blocking AT1 receptors, it prevents angiotensin II‑mediated vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, and sympathetic activation, resulting in vasodilation, reduced sodium‑water retention, and lower systemic blood pressure.

Candesartan Cilexetil is generally well tolerated, but adverse reactions can occur.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness: light‑headed sensation, especially after standing.
• Headache: mild to moderate intensity.
• Fatigue: feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
• Abdominal discomfort: mild pain or upset stomach.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat requiring urgent care.
• Hyperkalemia: elevated blood potassium that may cause cardiac arrhythmia.
• Acute kidney injury: sudden decline in renal function.
• Hepatic injury: signs of liver dysfunction such as jaundice or elevated enzymes.

Candesartan Cilexetil requires careful monitoring in certain clinical situations.

• Renal function: assess serum creatinine and eGFR before initiation and periodically thereafter.
• Serum potassium: monitor potassium levels, especially when combined with potassium‑sparing agents.
• Volume depletion: avoid use in patients with significant dehydration or diuretic‑induced volume loss.
• Hepatic impairment: use with caution in moderate to severe liver disease.
• Pregnancy: contraindicated in the second and third trimesters; discuss risks with a healthcare professional.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Candesartan Cilexetil can interact with several medicines, altering its safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• ACE inhibitors or aliskiren in diabetic patients: increased risk of renal dysfunction and hyperkalemia.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone): may cause dangerous hyperkalemia.
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen): can reduce antihypertensive effect and impair renal function.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Loop or thiazide diuretics: may enhance hypotensive effect; monitor blood pressure.
• Lithium: candesartan may increase lithium levels; check serum lithium.
• Other antihypertensives: additive blood pressure lowering; adjust dose as needed.