INDSAR (candesartancilexetil), a prodrug,is hydrolyzed to candesartan during absorption from the gastrointestinaltract. Candesartan is a selective AT1 subtype angiotensin II receptorantagonist.
Candesartan cilexetil, anonpeptide, is chemically described as (±)-1-Hydroxyethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[p-(o-1Htetrazol-5-ylphenyl)benzyl]-7-benzimidazolecarboxylate,cyclohexyl carbonate (ester).
Its empirical formula is C33H34N6O6,and its structural formula is
Candesartan cilexetil is awhite to off-white powder with a molecular weight of 610.67. It is practicallyinsoluble in water and sparingly soluble in methanol. Candesartan cilexetil isa racemic mixture containing one chiral center at the cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxyethyl ester group. Following oral administration, candesartan cilexetilundergoes hydrolysis at the ester link to form the active drug, candesartan,which is achiral.
INDSAR is available fororal use as tablets containing either 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg, or 32 mg ofcandesartan cilexetil and the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, lactose, corn starch, carboxymethylcellulosecalcium, and magnesium stearate. Ferric oxide (reddish brown) is added to the8-mg, 16-mg, and 32-mg tablets as a colorant.