Candesartan

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A synthetic, benzimidazole-derived angiotensin II receptor antagonist prodrug with antihypertensive activity. Candesartan selectively competes with angiotensin II for the binding of the angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 (AT1) in vascular smooth muscle, blocking angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction and inducing vasodilatation. In addition, antagonism of AT1 in the adrenal gland inhibits angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone synthesis and secretion by the adrenal cortex; sodium and water excretion increase, followed by a reduction in plasma volume and blood pressure.

**Synonyms:** - 2-Ethoxy-3-[[4-[2-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]phenyl]methyl]-3H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic Acid - CANDESARTAN