Eprosartan Mesylate

A to Z Drug Facts

  Action Antagonizes the effect of angiotensin II (vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion) by blocking the angiotensin II receptor (AT₁ receptor) in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland, producing decreased BP.

  Indications Treatment of hypertension.

  Contraindications Standard considerations.

  Route/Dosage

Adults: PO 400 to 800 mg/day; usual starting dose 600 mg/day.

  Interactions None well documented.

  Lab Test Interferences

Lithium

Plasma concentrations may be increased by eprosartan, resulting in an increase in the pharmacologic and adverse effects of lithium.

  Adverse Reactions

CARDIOVASCULAR: Abnormal ECG; extrasystoles; atrial fibrillation. CNS: Fatigue; depression. GI: Abdominal pain. GU: UTI. METABOLIC: Hypertriglyceridemia; hyperkalemia; hypokalemia. RESPIRATORY: Upper respiratory tract infection; rhinitis; pharyngitis; coughing. OTHER: Arthralgia.

  Precautions

Pregnancy: Category C (first trimester); category D (second and third trimesters). Lactation: Undetermined. CHILDREN: Safety and efficacy not established. Renal function impairment: Use with caution in patients whose renal function may depend on the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (eg, patients with severe CHF), use may be associated with oliguria, progressive azotemia, acute renal failure, and death.

  Administration/Storage

• Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
• Administer alone or in combination with other antihypertensives such as diuretic and calcium channel blocker.
• Assess patient status and do not administer to patients with intravascular volume depletion until the condition has been corrected.

  Assessment/Interventions

• Obtain patient history, including drug history and any known allergies.
• Monitor BP and pulse.
• Should hypotension, tachycardia, or bradycardia occur, withhold the medication and notify the health care provider.
• Monitor patient for signs of hypersensitivity including angioedema involving swelling of the face, lips, and tongue, or difficulty breathing.

  Patient/Family Education

• Instruct patient to take the medication as prescribed at the same time each day.
• Inform patient that eprosartan controls but does not cure hypertension.
• Caution patient to take the dose exactly as prescribed and not to stop taking the medication even if feeling better.
• Instruct patient not to increase or decrease the dosage.
• Instruct patient that achievement of maximum BP reduction will usually take about 2 to 3 wk.
• Instruct family and patient in BP and pulse measurement skills.
• Caution patient to call primary health care provider should abnormal measurements occur.
• Instruct patient in methods of fall prevention including rising slowly and sitting on the side of the bed before standing, especially early in therapy.
• Inform patient of the importance of adjunct therapies such as dietary planning, regular exercise program, weight reduction, low sodium diet, alcohol reduction, smoking cessation, and stress management.
• Instruct patient to report symptoms of weakness, fatigue, dizziness, or lightheadedness to health care provider.
• Caution patient to notify health care provider or dentist of eprosartan use prior to surgery or treatment.
• Advise women to contact health care provider if pregnant, planning on becomming pregnant, or breastfeeding.

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Copyright © 2003 Facts and Comparisons
David S. Tatro
A to Z Drug Facts