Home Drug Guide Eprosartan Mesylate

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Eprosartan Mesylate

Brand Names Teveten

Classification

Therapeutic: Antihypertensive

Pharmacological: Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)

FDA Approved Indications

Hypertension

Mechanism of Action

Eprosartan selectively blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, resulting in vasodilation and reduction of aldosterone-mediated volume expansion, thus lowering blood pressure.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Initially, 600 mg once daily. Dose may be adjusted based on response up to a maximum of 800 mg once daily.

Pediatric: Not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Geriatric: Same as adult dosing, but elderly patients should be monitored closely for hypotension, especially if they are volume-depleted or on diuretics.

Renal Impairment: Adjust dose carefully; consider starting at a lower dose and monitor renal function.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustment required; use with caution and monitor liver function.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorbed orally with approximately 60-70% bioavailability.

Distribution: Widely distributed; protein bound (~98%).

Metabolism: Metabolized minimally; mostly excreted unchanged.

Excretion: Excreted primarily via the feces and urine.

Half Life: Approximately 6 hours.

Contraindications

Pregnancy (Category D), due to risk of fetal injury or death; Concurrent use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes.

Precautions

Use with caution in patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis, volume-depleted states, or hepatic impairment. Monitor blood pressure, renal function, and serum potassium.

Adverse Reactions - Common

Dizziness (Common)
Headache (Common)
Neck soreness (Less common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Hypotension (Serious (rare in normotensive patients))
Angioedema (Rare)
Hyperkalemia (Less common)
Acute renal failure (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

Other antihypertensives, diuretics, potassium supplements, NSAIDs, lithium

Drug-Food Interactions

N/A

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor blood pressure, renal function (BUN, serum creatinine), and serum potassium before and during therapy.

Diagnoses:

Ineffective tissue perfusion related to hypotension.
Risk for electrolyte imbalance.

Implementation: Administer as directed, typically once daily. Educate patient about orthostatic hypotension.

Evaluation: Assess blood pressure response and watch for signs of hypotension, hyperkalemia, or adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

Take medication as prescribed, even if feeling well.
Report any swelling, difficulty breathing, or hypersensitivity.
Avoid potassium-rich foods or supplements unless instructed.
Do not discontinue abruptly.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

Fetal toxicity: Do not use during pregnancy.

Genetic Factors: Patients may have genetic variations affecting response to ARBs.

Lab Test Interference: May increase serum potassium and serum creatinine, monitoring is recommended.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Hypotension, dizziness, tachycardia or bradycardia.

Treatment: Supportive care, monitor vital signs, and provide fluids as necessary. No specific antidote.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and light.

Stability: Stable for shelf life as specified by manufacturer.