<p>Candesartan Cilexetil-Hydrochlorothiazide combines an angiotensin II receptor blocker, Candesartan Cilexetil and a diuretic, Hydrochlorothiazide.<br />
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<strong>Candesartan Cilexetil</strong>&nbsp;is an ester prodrug that is hydrolysed in the body to the active form Candesartan during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Candesartan blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor in many tissues (eg, vascular smooth muscle, adrenal gland).<br />
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<strong>Hydrochlorothiazide</strong>&nbsp;is a thiazide diuretic. Thiazides affect the renal tubular mechanisms of electrolyte reabsorption, directly by increasing sodium excreation. Indirectly, the diuretic action of hydrochlorothiazide reduces plasma volume with consequent increase in plasma renin activity, aldosterone secretion, urinary potassium loss, and decrease in serum potassium. The renin-aldosterone link is mediated by angiotensin II, so coadministration of Candesartan tends to reverse the potassium loss associated with Hydrochlorothiazide.</p>