Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/umls/id/C0717550
NCI: A synthetic, benzimidazole-derived angiotensin II receptor antagonist prodrug with antihypertensive activity. Candesartan selectively competes with angiotensin II for the binding of the angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 (AT1) in vascular smooth muscle, blocking angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction and inducing vasodilatation. In addition, antagonism of AT1 in the adrenal gland inhibits angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone synthesis and secretion by the adrenal cortex; sodium and water excretion increase, followed by a reduction in plasma volume and blood pressure.