Clinical studies with candesartan

Candesartan cilexetil is a new AT(1)-receptor antagonist that has been approved for clinical use in many countries. This article gives a brief summary of the clinical studies that have been performed with candesartan cilexetil. One of the major advantages of candesartan cilexetil is its remarkable tolerability. As with all the agents in this class of compounds, the side effect profile is virtually indistinguishable from that of placebo. Candesartan cilexetil appears to be an unusually potent AT(1)-receptor antagonist, as regards its antihypertensive efficacy. Double-blind comparisons with other established antihypertensive agents have shown that candesartan cilexetil is at least equally potent, and in some cases more potent, than the comparison drug. A brief mention is also made of some ongoing intervention studies with candesartan cilexetil, such as the Study on Cognition and Prognosis in Elderly hypertensive patients (SCOPE).