Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) — Blood Pressure Medicine
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Candesartan cilexetil is a blood pressure-lowering medicine that works by relaxing your blood vessels so blood can flow more easily, reducing the pressure on your heart and arteries.
Blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors on vascular smooth muscle and cardiac tissue, preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, thereby reducing blood pressure and cardiac workload. This selective ARB action interrupts the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) without affecting bradykinin metabolism, allowing enhanced vasodilation and sodium excretion.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For high blood pressure, most adults start with 8 mg once daily, and the doctor may increase it to 16 mg or up to 32 mg once daily depending on how your body responds. You can take it with or without food, but try to take it at the same time every day — many people find it easier to remember at bedtime or first thing in the morning.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take two tablets at once to make up for the missed dose.
Do not stop taking this medicine on your own even if you feel fine — high blood pressure often has no symptoms, but stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and not from roadside sellers or open markets, as fake medicines are common. Do not share your blood pressure medicine with others, even if they have similar symptoms — dosage must be prescribed by a doctor.
Do not combine with other blood pressure medicines like ACE inhibitors (e.g. lisinopril, ramipril) without your doctor's knowledge, as this can cause dangerously low blood pressure or kidney problems. Avoid using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, as candesartan can raise potassium levels in your blood. NSAIDs like ibuprofen (commonly sold in Nigeria) can reduce the effectiveness of candesartan and may harm your kidneys if used together regularly.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Candesartan with your other drugs?
Candesartan is NOT safe during pregnancy — it can seriously harm or even kill your unborn baby, especially in the second and third trimesters; stop taking it immediately and see your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and consult your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing it near windows or in your car. Keep the tablets in their original pack and always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
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