What it's used for
Candesartan cilexetil is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used to lower blood pressure in adults and children. It is also prescribed to treat heart failure and reduce cardiovascular deaths and hospitalizations.
Source: U.S. FDA-approved prescribing information (openFDA).
Typical dosing
For adult hypertension, the starting dose is 16 mg once daily with a target total daily dose of 8 to 32 mg, while adult heart failure starts at 4 mg once daily.
Dosing shown here is the general FDA-labeled range. Your prescribing clinician determines the exact dose, form, and schedule for you — this is not a substitute for medical advice.
Boxed warning / key safety info
Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus, so the drug should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected.
Common side effects
Common adverse reactions causing discontinuation include headache and dizziness in hypertension, and low blood pressure, abnormal kidney function, and high potassium in heart failure.
Covered strengths on the Tab $0 list
Covered at $0 with an active Tab membership when filled at a participating pharmacy nationwide or through mail order. A licensed clinician must prescribe the medication.
Related medications
Other heart, blood pressure & cholesterol medications covered at $0 with an active Tab membership.