Candesartan cilexetil (Atacand ), a selective type I angiotensin II receptor blocker, has recently been introduced as a new antihypertensive agent. We evaluated its anti-hypertensive effect and safety in mild to moderate hypertensive patients.

Candesartan cilexetil, 8 mg or 16 mg, was administered once a day over 8 weeks period in the patients with mild to moderate hypertension (25 male, 26 female, mean age: 53.5±1.2 years). For safety evaluation, laboratory tests were performed before and after treatment with candesartan cilexetil. Changes in blood pressure, heart rate and electrocardiogram were also observed.

1) The mean blood pressures in the sitting position were systolic 164.1±2.1 mmHg and diastolic 106.3±0.8 mmHg before treatment, which were lowered to 135.4±2.0 mmHg and 89.1±1.1 mmHg, repectively after 8 weeks of treatment (p<0.05). 2) Candesartan cilexetil had a significant dose-depen-dent antihypertensive effect for diastolic pressure in 35 patients (8 mg:97.8±0.9 mmHg, 16 mg:91.3±1.1 mmHg, p<0.05). 3) Heart rate was not significantly changed before and after treatment during the treatment with candesartan cilexetil (72.2±1.2/min vs. 72.0±1.3/min;p>0.05). 4) Laboratory tests revealed no significant abnormality by the treatment with candesartan cilexetil. 5) Left ventricular hypertrophy by ECG criteria detected in 3 cases disappeared after treatment with candesartan cilexetil. 6) No significant side effects were observed during the treatment period.

Candesartan cilexetil, 8 mg or 16 mg, once a day is an effective and well tolerated antihypertensive treatment. It has a significant dose-dependent antihypertensive effect.