It undergoes minor hepatic metabolism by O-deethylation to an inactive metabolite. The elimination half life of candesartan is approximately 9 hours. After single and repeated administration the pharmacokinetics of candesartan are linear for oral doses up to 32 mg of candesartan cilexetil. Candesartan and its inactive metabolite do not accumulate in serum upon repeated once daily dosing. Food with a high-fat content does not affect the bioavailability of candesartan after candesartan cilexetil administration.
Biliary excretion contributes to the elimination of candesartan.
The protein binding is constant at candesartan plasma concentrations well above the range achieved with recommended doses. In rats it has been demonstrated that candesartan crosses the blood brain barrier poorly if at all. It has also been demonstrated in rats that candesartan passes across the placental barrier and is distributed in the fetus. The pharmacokinetics of candesartan were linear in the elderly and candesartan and its inactive metabolite did not accumulate in the serum of these subjects upon repeated once daily administration. There is no difference in the pharmacokinetics of candesartan between male and female subjects.