Candesartan is an angiotensin 2 receptor blocker. The mechanism of action of candesartan is as an angiotensin 2 receptor antagonist.

Candesartan is a synthetic, benzimidazole-derived angiotensin ii receptor antagonist prodrug with antihypertensive activity.  candesartan selectively competes with angiotensin ii for the binding of the angiotensin ii receptor subtype 1 (at1) in vascular smooth muscle, blocking angiotensin ii-mediated vasoconstriction and inducing vasodilatation. In addition, antagonism of at1 in the adrenal gland inhibits angiotensin ii-stimulated aldosterone synthesis and secretion by the adrenal cortex; sodium and water excretion increase, followed by a reduction in plasma volume and blood pressure.