Key features of candesartan cilexetil and a comparison with other angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

Current research on angiotensin II AT1-receptor antagonists (AIIRAs) and selected studies presented at the recent symposium held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on 6 June 1998, titled 'Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists are NOT all the Same' are reviewed. AIIRAs offer a number of potential advantages over alternative antihypertensive agents acting via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. They combine blood pressure-lowering effects at least equivalent to those of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, coupled with placebo-like tolerability. Candesartan cilexetil is a novel AIIRA that has demonstrated clinical efficacy superior to losartan, has a sustained duration of action over 24 hours (trough:peak ratio close to 100%) and is well tolerated in patients with essential hypertension. Candesartan cilexetil has a rapid onset of action (approximately 80% of total blood pressure reduction within the first 2 weeks) and dose-dependent effects on blood pressure, is comparable in efficacy to a number of classes of antihypertensives, and is effective in combination therapy (eg, with hydrochlorothiazide and amlodipine). This favourable profile may be due in part to the highly selective, tight binding to and slow dissociation of candesartan from the AT1 receptor. Preliminary studies suggest that candesartan cilexetil also protects end organs (kidney, heart, vasculature, and brain) beyond blood pressure control.