Candesartan Cilexetil: An Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker

OBJECTIVE:To summarize and critique the medical literature on candesartan cilexetil, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).DATA SOURCES:MEDLINE searches (January 1966–January 1999) and manufacturer prescribing literature were used to identify articles on candesartan cilexetil. Bibliographies were also reviewed for germane articles.STUDY SELECTION:Study and review articles describing the chemistry, human pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, placebo-controlled trials, comparative trials, and clinical application of candesartan cilexetil based on the published literature and premarketing clinical trials were reviewed.DATA EXTRACTION:All literature on the use of candesartan cilexetil for treating hypertension and congestive heart failure were included.DATA SYNTHESIS:ARBs are a new class of drugs with increasing use in treating hypertension. Studies are ongoing to determine the role of these agents in preventing remodeling after myocardial infarction and in patients with congestive heart failur...