ABSTRACT
Candesartan is classified as an angiotensin II receptor type 1 antagonist. Angiotensin II receptor type 1 antagonists are widely used in treatment of diseases like hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction and diabetic nephropathy. Candesartan is an orally active lipophilic drug and possesses rapid oral absorption. It causes reduction in blood pressure and is used in treatment of hypertension. It is also used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and given as prophylaxis to reduce the severity and duration of migraine. Candesartan cilexetil, a prodrug of Candesartan, is available in the market under the trade names- Blopress®, Atacand®, Amias® and Ratacand®. Candesartan is also available in a combination formulation with a low dose thiazide diuretic, invariably hydrochlorothiazide, to achieve an additive antihypertensive effect. This paper reviews the pharmacological and pharmaceutical properties of Candesartan. Candesartan could be an attractive target for the generic industries.
ABSTRACT
Gliclazide is a second generation sulphonylurea oral hypoglycaemic agent used in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). It improves defective insulin secretion and may reverse insulin resistance observed in patients with NIDDM. These actions are reflected in a reduction in blood glucose levels which is maintained during both short and long term administration, and is comparable with that achieved by other sulphonylurea agents. Gradually accumulating evidence suggests that gliclazide may be useful in patients with diabetic retinopathy, due to its haemobiological actions, and that addition of gliclazide to insulin therapy enables insulin dosage to be reduced. Thus, gliclazide is an effective agent for the treatment of the metabolic defects associated with NIDDM and may have the added advantage of potentially slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy. These actions, together with its good general tolerability and low incidence of hypoglycaemia have allowed gliclazide to be well placed within the array of oral hypoglycaemic agents available for the control of NIDDM.
ABSTRACT
Angiotensin II Receptor type 1 antagonists have been widely used in treatment of diseases like hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction and diabetic nephropathy. Their beneficial effects are related to inhibition of Angiotensin II by blockade of AT1 receptor. Valsartan is an orally active Angiotensin II receptor type 1 antagonist which causes reduction in blood pressure and is used in treatment of hypertension. It was first developed by Novartis and has a wide market in the developed and the developing countries. It is also available in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. It is a lipophilic drug and possesses moderate onset of action than other drugs of the same category. The drug is a very good target for the generic industries. This review evaluates the pharmacological properties of Valsartan and its efficacy and tolerability in the treatment of patients with hypertension. A brief discussion has also been made on the current and future aspects of the drug in the market.