Description:

Candesartan 16mg (Crescent brand) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children (≥6 years for hypertension) and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in adults with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). It works by relaxing blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and easing the workload on the heart.

Prescription:

• Prescription required; consult a physician before use.

Therapeutic Category:

• Antihypertensive / Angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB class for hypertension and heart failure).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Candesartan cilexetil 16 mg per tablet (prodrug converted to active candesartan in the body).

Variant:

• Standard 16 mg film-coated tablet (Crescent brand; other common strengths include 4 mg, 8 mg, 32 mg from various manufacturers).

Consume Type:

• Oral (tablet form).

Directions/Usage:

Take 1 tablet (16 mg) once daily, with or without food. Swallow whole with water.

• Hypertension: Starting dose usually 8–16 mg once daily; maintenance 8–32 mg daily (max 32 mg).
• Heart failure: Starting dose 4 mg once daily; titrate slowly to target 32 mg once daily if tolerated. Dose adjustments may be needed in elderly, renal/hepatic impairment, or volume-depleted patients. Regular blood pressure monitoring required.

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness (especially first dose or dose increase), headache, back pain, fatigue, upper respiratory infection, hyperkalaemia (high potassium), hypotension (low blood pressure). Rare but serious: kidney impairment, angioedema (swelling of face/lips/tongue), liver enzyme elevation.

Package Type:

• Blister strip of 14 or 28 tablets (common Crescent pack sizes in Ghana/UK generics).

Storage Advice:

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep in original blister/packaging. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in pregnancy (Category D—can cause fetal harm or death, especially in 2nd/3rd trimester), breastfeeding (limited data), severe hepatic impairment, or history of angioedema with ARBs/ACE inhibitors. Use caution in renal artery stenosis, dehydration/volume depletion, hyperkalaemia, or concomitant use of potassium-sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, or lithium. Monitor serum potassium, creatinine, and blood pressure regularly. Avoid grapefruit juice (may increase levels). Report swelling, difficulty breathing, or persistent dizziness immediately.

Product Substitutes:

• Atacand 16mg (original brand by AstraZeneca)
• Candesartan 16mg generics (e.g., Accord, Teva, Mylan, Exeter)
• Amias 16mg
• Candesar 16mg
• Other ARBs (e.g., losartan, valsartan, telmisartan) if substituted by doctor. Consult a doctor/pharmacist for exact alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Crescent Pharma Ltd

Country of Origin:

• United Kingdom