Eprosartan

Brand Name:Teveten

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Eprosartan is used for the treatment of high blood pressure (e.g., hypertension); it can be used alone or in combination with a water pill (e.g., diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide). Eprosartan may also be used to treat kidney disease resulting from type-2 diabetes and heart failure.

Eprosartan belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotension II antagonists. Angiotension II is a natural hormone produced by the body that helps to keep blood pressure normal. When blood pressure becomes too low, angiotensin II tightens the blood vessels to increase blood pressure. Eprosartan works by blocking the effect of this hormone, allowing blood to flow more freely and blood pressure to be lowered.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to eprosartan or other similar drugs like candesartan, losartan, valsartan, irbesartan or telmisartan.

You should generally not take this medication if you are pregnant or have a kidney condition called bilateral renal artery stenosis. Tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had:

  • problems with your kidney or liver
  • congestive heart failure
  • high levels of potassium in your blood or taking potassium supplements
  • problems with severe dehydration or risk factors for dehydration or low salt in the blood (e.g., taking water pills, on salt-restricted diet, have symptoms of chronic diarrhea/vomiting) – may make your blood pressure too low while taking eprosartan
  • low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • aortic stenosis
  • a hormonal imbalance known as primary aldosteronism
  • experienced a side effect called angioedema

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • low blood pressure
  • high levels of potassium in the blood
  • headache
  • these side effects may not be related to the dose and some may go away with time. If you feel unwell or any unusual discomfort while taking eprosartan, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Other less common side effects and/or sometimes severe side effects include:

  • skin reactions (e.g., rash, itchiness, hives)
  • swelling of the face, lips and/or tongue, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs - contact your doctor immediately
  • difficulty breathing or swallowing - contact your doctor immediately
  • change in how much or how often you urinate, burning or painful sensation when urinating
  • muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, or dark/brown urine - contact your doctor immediately
  • very rarely, case reports of a condition called leukopenia or neutropenia - call your doctor immediately if you experience unexplained sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection
  • extreme lightheadedness or fainting - contact your doctor immediately

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:
  • cyclosporine - may increase the chances for side effects on the kidney or increase the chance for high levels of potassium in the blood
  • water pills (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide) - may increase chances that blood pressure will drop too fast or too low
  • lithium - may increase the amount of lithium in your blood
  • ASA & other anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen, voltaren, diclofenac) (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, voltaren) – can increase the chances of problems with your kidney and may decrease how well eprosartan works to lower blood pressure or treat congestive heart failure
  • potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, some water pills (e.g., amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene) – may increase the amount of potassium in your blood
  • other medications to treat high blood pressure - may increase your chances for experiencing low blood pressure

If you are taking this drug to treat high blood pressure, be careful of certain over-the-counter medicines that may increase your blood pressure. These include some cough and cold medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Lab tests: Your doctor will likely send you for tests periodically to check the levels of potassium in your blood.

Special Instructions: Because of the possibility of a sudden drop in blood pressure when you first take this drug, your doctor may suggest you lie down after your initial dose.

Eprosartan can be taken with or without food, and should be taken at the same time every day.

Eprosartan does not interact with grapefruit juice; the fruit and juice can be consumed during therapy.

If you are dehydrated, your blood pressure may become too low when taking eprosartan. Be cautious and ensure adequate hydration if you experience severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; when exercising; or during exposure to hot weather. Symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness occur when your blood pressure is too low.

If you are undergoing surgery, be sure to let the doctor know that you are taking this type of medication as it may make you more sensitive to the effects of the anesthetics.

Children: Not prescribed.

Seniors: May be more sensitive to side effects. Lower dosages may be required.

Pregnancy: Not prescribed. When used during pregnancy, significant adverse effects to the fetus, including death, have been shown. Contact your doctor immediately if you plan on becoming pregnant, are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. The drug should be discontinued as soon as possible if pregnancy is suspected.

Women who are nursing: Eprosartan does pass into animal milk. Safety has not been established in humans. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally; may cause dizziness, drowsiness and fatigue.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol when taking this drug as it may make you more dizzy and dehydrated.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause serious symptoms, including dizziness and fainting. If you experience any unusual reactions, or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Do not stop taking eprosartan without talking to your doctor as your blood pressure will likely continue to go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Continue to take eprosartan even if you feel well.

If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess heat, moisture (not in the bathroom), and light; always keep out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: In order to help control your blood pressure or heart failure, your doctor may suggest that you reduce the amount of salt in your diet. Avoid salt substitutes as they sometimes contain potassium.