Which drug class does candesartan belong to?

Study for the Foundation Year Pharmacy – Clinical Practice Test. Prepare with detailed questions, step-by-step explanations, and test format insights. Enhance your readiness and confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which drug class does candesartan belong to?

Explanation:
Candesartan belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class. It works by blocking the AT1 receptor for angiotensin II, preventing the hormone from causing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, which leads to blood vessel dilation and lower blood pressure. This differs from ACE inhibitors, which reduce the production of angiotensin II rather than blocking its action. It’s also not a beta-blocker, which target beta-adrenergic receptors to slow the heart and reduce its workload, nor a calcium channel blocker, which prevent calcium entry to relax vascular smooth muscle and the heart. A practical point is that ARBs generally have a lower risk of cough and angioedema compared with ACE inhibitors due to less bradykinin accumulation.

Candesartan belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class. It works by blocking the AT1 receptor for angiotensin II, preventing the hormone from causing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, which leads to blood vessel dilation and lower blood pressure. This differs from ACE inhibitors, which reduce the production of angiotensin II rather than blocking its action. It’s also not a beta-blocker, which target beta-adrenergic receptors to slow the heart and reduce its workload, nor a calcium channel blocker, which prevent calcium entry to relax vascular smooth muscle and the heart. A practical point is that ARBs generally have a lower risk of cough and angioedema compared with ACE inhibitors due to less bradykinin accumulation.

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