Advantage

Advant, a drug of a group of drugs used to control blood pressure, relates to angiotensin II antagonists.

Other trade names are Candesartan, Candesartan-Lugal, Kandensar, Casark, Atakand, Hizart. International non-proprietary name Candesartan. Manufacturer - Getz Pharma Limited (Pakistan).

Indications Advantage

This medication is intended for the treatment of arterial hypertension. Also, Advant can be used in the complex therapy of chronic heart failure associated with systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, leading to secondary pulmonary venous hypertension.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5],

Release form

Form release: square tablets of white color for 8 and 16 mg.

[6], [7]

Pharmacodynamics

Getting into the body, which is part of the drug Advant candesartan, cilexetil is converted into the intestine into active candesartan, which affects the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which regulates the volume of circulating blood in the body and blood pressure. Advant selectively blocks the angiotensin receptors (AT1 receptors) of smooth muscle cells of the vessel walls.

These receptors cease to perceive the angiotensin II hormone, which provides the process of vasodilation - enlargement and narrowing of the blood vessels - and participates in the formation of arterial hypertensive syndrome and pathologies of the cardiovascular system. In addition, angiotensin II stimulates the synthesis of the hormone of the adrenal cortex of aldosterone regulating water-salt metabolism (blood content of Na + and K + ions and the release of potassium by the kidneys) and hemodynamics.

Thus, a decrease in the activity of AT1 receptors leads to a decrease in the total peripheral resistance of the vessels, which determines the antihypertensive effect of Advant, which is expressed in the normalization of blood pressure values within 24-36 hours.

[8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15],

Pharmacokinetics

After ingestion, Advant is absorbed into the digestive tract and penetrates into the blood. More than 99% of the active substance binds to blood plasma proteins, the maximum concentration in the plasma is noted on average after 3.5 hours.

Absolute bioavailability of the drug is 15%; the half-life is about 9 hours; 90% of the dose is excreted from the body after three days.

Not more than 30% of the medicament undergoes transformation in the liver cells, the metabolites formed are pharmacologically passive. Advantage does not accumulate in the body. A third of the medication is eliminated by the kidneys in the urine, the rest (in unchanged form) - with feces.

[16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21],

Dosing and administration

Advant is taken internally, both before and after meals. The standard dose for high blood pressure is 4 mg (taken once a day); to maintain normal BP values - 8 mg per day. The maximum daily dose is 16 mg.

In chronic heart failure, 4 mg of Advant is prescribed once a day. 

[30], [31], [32], [33],

Use Advantage during pregnancy

Use during pregnancy and during lactation is contraindicated. 

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of Advant are:

• hypersensitivity to candesartan or other substances that make up the medicament;
• Connes syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism) - an increased level of synthesis of the hormone of the adrenal cortex of aldosterone;
• severe forms of liver dysfunction;
• Cholestatic syndrome (reduction or termination of the secretion of bile or its stasis in the liver).

Children and adolescents under 18 years of age should not use this medication.

[22], [23], [24], [25], [26]

Side effects Advantage

Side effects of the medication are expressed in the form of headache and dizziness, pain in the muscles and joints, nausea, urticaria and skin itching, manifestations of asthenic syndrome, increased heart rate, hyperhidrosis (increased sweating), increased potassium, calcium and sodium in the blood serum, functional disorders from the liver and kidneys, elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, agranulocytosis, neutropenia or leukopenia.

During admission, Advant should be careful when driving vehicles, as the medication can cause attacks of weakness and dizziness.

[27], [28], [29]

Overdose

In the case of an overdose Advant, there may be a drop in blood pressure before the development of orthostatic hypotension, dizziness and increased heart rate from 90 beats per minute. The treatment of overdose is aimed at restoring and maintaining the normal operation of the cardiovascular system.

[34], [35], [36]

Interactions with other drugs

Pharmacological interaction Advant with antihypertensive drugs of other groups, as well as with diuretics leads to an increase in the effect of reducing blood pressure.

Candesartan increases the concentration of lithium in the serum and increases the risk of developing toxic reactions.

With the simultaneous administration of Advant and lily preparations, the content of lithium in the blood serum increases, which leads to toxic reactions.

The use of Advant in combination with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors - Enalopril, Vasotec, Benazepril, Mavik, and others - increases the risk of side effects, especially kidney and hyperkalemia dysfunction.

[37], [38], [39], [40]

Storage conditions

Storage conditions - in a sheltered spot, at a temperature of no higher than + 25-27 ° C. 

[41], [42], [43]

Shelf life

Shelf life of the drug is 3 years.

[44], [45], [46]