Efficacy and safety of a larger dose(16 mg) of candesartan cilexetil in 65 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension

Objective:To evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy and safety of candesartan cilexetil at a larger dose of 16mg in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.Methods: In a randomized,double-blind,and parallel-controlled trial,65 hypertensive patients were randomly assigned to receive candesartan cilexetil at dose of 16mg·d-1(n=33) or 8mg·d-1(n=32) to control blood pressure for an 8-week active-treatment period.Thirty-seven patients from the two groups underwent an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM) before and after 8-week treatment.Results: After 8-week treatment,the mean systolic blood pressure(SBP) and mean diastolic blood pressure(DBP) were significantly reduced by(10.9±11.5) and(12.9±11.3) mmHg in 16mg group,while by(11.5±15.1)and(10.5±7.8) mmHg in 8mg group,respectively.The efficacy rate was 70% and 61.3% in 16mg and 8mg groups.The ABPM values showed a significant reduction in both groups.The mean trough/peak(T/P) ratio of SBP was 73% and 47%,and that of DBP was 65% and 47%,respectively,in 16 and 8mg groups.The incidence of overall adverse events showed no statistical difference in both groups.Conclusion: Candesartan cilexetil once daily at a larger dose of 16mg is safe and effective in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension,and the tolerability is well at this dose.