eprosartan mesylate

ep·ro·sar·tan mesylate (pr-särtn)

n.

An angiotensin II receptor antagonist used to treat hypertension.

---

eprosartan mesylate

Teveten

Pharmacologic class: Angiotensin II receptor antagonist

Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive

Pregnancy risk category C (first trimester), D (second and third trimesters)

FDA Boxed Warning

• When used during second or third trimester of pregnancy, drug may cause fetal injury or even death. Discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected.

Action

Blocks aldosterone-stimulating and vasoconstrictive effects of angiotensin II at receptor sites in vascular smooth muscles and adrenal glands, decreasing vascular resistance

Availability

Tablets: 400 mg, 600 mg

⊘Indications and dosages

➣ Hypertension

Adults: 600 mg P.O. once daily or in divided doses b.i.d.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to drug
• Hypotension
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Precautions

Use cautiously in:
• heart failure, renal or hepatic impairment, obstructive biliary disorders, volume or sodium depletion
• concurrent high-dose diuretic therapy
• black patients
• females of childbearing age
• children younger than age 18 (safety not established).

Administration

• Give initial dose in supervised medical setting, and monitor blood pressure for 2 hours after administration.
• Know that drug may be given alone or with other antihypertensives.
• Be prepared to treat transient hypotension by placing patient in supine position and giving I.V. normal saline infusion as needed.

Route	Onset	Peak	Duration
P.O.	Unknown	6 hr	24 hr

Adverse reactions

CNS: dizziness, fatigue, headache, syncope

CV: hypotension, chest pain, peripheral edema

EENT: sinus disorders

GI: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, dry mouth

GU: albuminuria, renal failure

Hepatic: hepatitis

Metabolic: gout, hyperkalemia

Musculoskeletal: joint pain, back pain, muscle weakness

Respiratory: upper respiratory tract infection, cough, bronchitis

Skin: angioedema

Other: dental pain, fever, facial edema

Interactions

Drug-drug. Antihypertensives, diuretics: increased risk of hypotension

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: decreased antihypertensive effect of eprosartan

Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements: increased risk of hyperkalemia

Drug-diagnostic tests. Albumin: elevated level

Drug-food. Salt substitutes containing potassium: increased risk of hyperkalemia

Drug-herbs. Ephedra (ma huang): antagonism of eprosartan action

Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: increased CNS depression

Patient monitoring

• Monitor vital signs, particularly for hypotension after administration.
• Assess cardiovascular status, especially for chest pain, syncope, and edema.
• Monitor liver and kidney function test results, watching for drug-induced hepatitis or renal failure.
• Assess respiratory status. Stay alert for dry, persistent cough and signs and symptoms of respiratory infections.
• Monitor electrolyte levels, and watch for signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia.

Patient teaching

• Instruct patient to take drug at same time each day, with or without food.
☞ Inform patient that drug may cause angioedema. Instruct him to immediately report facial or lip swelling, fever, or sore throat.
☞ Advise patient to immediately report chest pain, fainting, decreased urine output, unusual tiredness, yellowing of skin or eyes, or swelling.
☞ Tell female patient to contact prescriber right away if she suspects she's pregnant.
• Caution female not to breastfeed while taking drug.
• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, foods, herbs, and behaviors mentioned above.

---

eprosartan mesylate

Teveten^® Therapeutics An angiotensin II receptor antagonist thiazide combination agent used for HTN Adverse events URI, rhinitis, pharyngitis, cough. See Hypertension.