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Multiple Choice

Which of the following lists the adverse drug reactions of candesartan?

Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), so its adverse effects stem from blocking the AT1 receptor and the resulting changes in blood pressure and electrolyte balance. The most characteristic and clinically important reactions include low blood pressure (hypotension) and elevated potassium (hyperkalemia) due to reduced aldosterone. Additional related issues are dizziness and fatigue from the blood pressure drop. Angioedema is a potential risk with ARBs, though less common than with ACE inhibitors, and there is a pregnancy risk with this drug class, making it contraindicated in pregnancy. Cough can occur with ARBs but is more typical of ACE inhibitors and is less common here; however, it can still be seen. This combination of hypotension, hyperkalemia, possible cough, dizziness, fatigue, angioedema, and the pregnancy contraindication provides the most complete and accurate picture of candesartan’s adverse effects. Nausea, vomiting; drowsiness; and rash are not the defining or most characteristic adverse effects for candesartan, though they may occur rarely. The key safety signals clinicians monitor with candesartan are hemodynamic changes, electrolyte disturbances, rare hypersensitivity reactions like angioedema, and pregnancy safety.

Candesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), so its adverse effects stem from blocking the AT1 receptor and the resulting changes in blood pressure and electrolyte balance. The most characteristic and clinically important reactions include low blood pressure (hypotension) and elevated potassium (hyperkalemia) due to reduced aldosterone. Additional related issues are dizziness and fatigue from the blood pressure drop. Angioedema is a potential risk with ARBs, though less common than with ACE inhibitors, and there is a pregnancy risk with this drug class, making it contraindicated in pregnancy. Cough can occur with ARBs but is more typical of ACE inhibitors and is less common here; however, it can still be seen. This combination of hypotension, hyperkalemia, possible cough, dizziness, fatigue, angioedema, and the pregnancy contraindication provides the most complete and accurate picture of candesartan’s adverse effects.

Nausea, vomiting; drowsiness; and rash are not the defining or most characteristic adverse effects for candesartan, though they may occur rarely. The key safety signals clinicians monitor with candesartan are hemodynamic changes, electrolyte disturbances, rare hypersensitivity reactions like angioedema, and pregnancy safety.