Active substance
Candesartan
Effect of Blopress
Blopress® contains the active ingredient candesartan and is a drug that is mainly used in the treatment of high blood pressure (antihypertensive). Candesartan belongs to the group of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, i.e. it blocks a receptor and thus inhibits the effects of the hormone angiotensin. Blopress® thus leads, among other things, to a dilation of the blood vessels (vasodilation) and a reduced retention of sodium and water in the body. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists are similar in their spectrum of action to ACE inhibitors, but they have a slightly different side effect profile.
Application/indication
The main indication for Blopress®/Candesartan is arterial hypertension. Blopress® is also used as a basic therapy for heart failure in patients with intolerance to ACE inhibitors.
Side effects of Blopress
In the case of the so-called “Sartans”, an increase in the potassium level in the blood (hyperkalemia) can occur, especially if the kidney has a pre-existing functional impairment. Such hyperkalemia can lead, among other things, to cardiac arrhythmia, which is why the blood values must be closely monitored, especially at the beginning of therapy. Other frequent side effects of Sartane are dizziness, headaches, restriction of kidney function and respiratory tract infections.
Rare side effects of Blopress® are skin rash and itching (pruritus), swelling of the face, tongue and lips (angioedema), muscle pain (myalgia), nausea and increased susceptibility to infection due to a reduction in the number of white blood cells (leukopenia). In contrast to the ACE inhibitors, irritable cough occurs significantly less frequently under therapy with Sartans. This is the most common reason for switching therapy from ACE inhibitors to Sartane.
Interactions
When Blopress® is combined with other drugs for high blood pressure (antihypertensives), such as beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors, caution should be exercised in dosing because of the risk of excessive blood pressure reduction. A combination of Blopress® with potassium-saving diuretics is contraindicated. When combining Sartans with painkillers from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAD /NSAR), such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, the blood pressure-lowering effect of candesartan can be attenuated. If lithium is taken at the same time (mainly used in the treatment of mental illnesses), its excretion may be reduced and thus its effect increased. This is particularly dangerous with lithium, as even a slight increase in the blood level can have a toxic (poisonous) effect.
Contraindications
Angiotensin II receptor antagonists should not be combined with other so-called “potassium-saving diuretics“, i.e. water tablets such as amiloride, triamterene and spironolactone, as this increases the risk of high potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Further contraindications are bilateral narrowing of the renal vessels (renal artery stenosis), severe kidney or liver function impairment, as well as pregnancy (especially the last six months) and lactation. If pregnancy is detected during therapy with candesartan, the therapy should be terminated immediately and replaced by another.
