How does Candesartan Cilexetil (generic Atacand) treat?
Candesartan Cilexetil (generic Atacand) contains the active ingredient candesartan cilexetil, which is a type of medicine called an angiotensin II antagonist. Candesartan Cilexetil (generic Atacand) works by preventing the action of a hormone in the body called angiotensin II. Candesartan Cilexetil (generic Atacand) blocks the receptors that angiotensin II acts on, and thereby prevents its actions. The effect of this is that the peripheral blood vessels are allowed to widen, which means that there is more space and less resistance in these blood vessels. This is the main mechanism by which Candesartan Cilexetil (generic Atacand) lowers the pressure in the blood vessels. Blocking the actions of angiotensin II also reduces the action of aldosterone on the kidneys. The result of this is an increase in the amount of fluid removed from the blood by the kidneys. This decreases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which also lessens the resistance and pressure in the blood vessels.
