From the FDA Drug Label
Losartan is indicated for the treatment of hypertension in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older, to lower blood pressure. Valsartan Tablet, USP is a nonpeptide, orally active, and specific angiotensin II receptor blocker acting on the AT1receptor subtype. Losartan Potassium Tablets is a prescription medicine called an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It is used: • Alone or with other blood pressure medicines to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Candesartan is the most effective Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) for blood pressure management, with a typical starting dose of 8-32 mg once daily. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which demonstrated that candesartan provides better antihypertensive efficacy than losartan and is at least as effective as telmisartan and valsartan 1. The advantages of blood pressure control on the risks of heart failure and stroke are well established, and candesartan has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality, stroke, heart failure, arterial stiffness, renal failure, retinopathy, and migraine in different populations of adult patients, including those with coexisting type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or kidney impairment 1.
Some key points to consider when using candesartan for blood pressure management include:
- Candesartan is a highly selective compound with high potency, a long duration of action, and a tolerability profile similar to placebo 1
- The trough-to-peak ratio, a measure of the persistence of antihypertensive efficacy at the end of the dosing interval, is close to the ideal of 1.0 for candesartan, indicating a smooth and consistent antihypertensive effect over 24 hours 2
- Candesartan has been shown to provide effective blood pressure control when administered once daily, with a significant reduction in blood pressure observed in both the morning and evening 3
- Alternative ARBs, such as losartan and valsartan, may be preferred in certain situations, such as cost considerations or specific comorbidities, but candesartan is generally considered the most effective option 4
It's also important to note that:
- ARBs, including candesartan, can affect kidney function and potassium levels, so monitoring is recommended when starting treatment 5
- Candesartan is particularly beneficial for patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease due to its renoprotective effects 1
- Consistent and timely administration of ARBs, such as candesartan, is crucial for optimal blood pressure control 4