Eprosartan

Conditions Treated

Eprosartan is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Eprosartan is in a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances that tighten the blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Eprosartan may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• excessive tiredness
• stomach pain
• joint pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, or those listed in the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Eprosartan may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Eprosartan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take eprosartan, take it at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take eprosartan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Eprosartan controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Your blood pressure may decrease during the first 2 weeks of your treatment, but it may take 2 to 3 weeks for you to notice the full benefit of eprosartan. Continue to take eprosartan even if you feel well. Do not stop taking eprosartan without talking to your doctor.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking eprosartan, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to eprosartan, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in eprosartan tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the following: aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) and selective COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex); diuretics ('water pills'); and potassium supplements. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or kidney disease. you should know that eprosartan may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking eprosartan. To help avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up. you should know that diarrhea, vomiting, not drinking enough fluids, and sweating a lot can cause a drop in blood pressure, which may cause lightheadedness and fainting. Tell your doctor if you have any of these problems or develop them during your treatment.