What is Eprosartan?
Eprosartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Eprosartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Eprosartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Eprosartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Eprosartan?
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Eprosartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to eprosartan.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of eprosartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking eprosartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
In rare cases, eprosartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Eprosartan?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to eprosartan.
Before using eprosartan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- congestive heart failure; or
- if you are dehydrated
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Eprosartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not use eprosartan without your doctor’s consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether eprosartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Eprosartan Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Eprosartan?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, eprosartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other serious side effects, such as:
- feeling like you might pass out
- painful or difficult urination
- chest pain; or
- swelling in your hands or feet
Less serious side effects may include:
- runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough
- joint pain
- nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea
- headache, dizziness; or
- tired feeling
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Eprosartan Interactions
What other drugs affect Eprosartan?
Before taking eprosartan, tell your doctor if you are also taking a diuretic (water pill).
There may be other drugs that can interact with eprosartan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Eprosartan?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of eprosartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking eprosartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Eprosartan Dosage
How should I take Eprosartan?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
You may take eprosartan with or without food.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
It may take 2 to 3 weeks of using this medicine before your blood pressure is under control. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks of treatment.
Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store eprosartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Eprosartan?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include dizziness or feeling like you might pass out.
What happens if I miss a dose of Eprosartan?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com