Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of domestically made candesartan cilexetil in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.Methods: In randomized

double-blind and parallel control trai1

58 patients with mild and moderate essential hypertension randomly received either candesartan cilexetil at 8mg daily(=29) or irbesartan at 150mg daily(=29) for 2 weeks.The patients with poor prognosis in 2weeks(DBP≥90mmHg) received extra 1 tablet daily.Results:Significant differences in the overall response rate of candesartan or irbesartan monotherapy(75.86% VS.37.93%) was found at 2 weeks after treatment.No significant difference in the overall response rate of candesartan or irbesartan monotherapy(89.66% VS.79.33%) was found at 4 weeks after treatment.Significant differences in decreasing the range of systolic pressure in candesartan group or irbesartan group(27.52±11.90mm Hg VS.20.72±9.27 mm Hg) at sitting position and(24.59±11.87 mm Hg VS.15.90±16.22 mm Hg) at standing position were found in at 4 weeks(P<0.01;P<0.05).Conclusion:The efficacy and safety of domestically produced candesartan cilexetil are similar to those of irbesartan in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension.Candesartan cilexetil is preferable to controlling systolic pressure.