How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient eprosartan mesylate, which is a type of medicine called an angiotensin II blocker. It works by preventing the action of a hormone in the body called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II normally acts on special receptors in the body, with two main results. Firstly, it causes the peripheral blood vessels to narrow, and secondly, it stimulates the production of another hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone causes salt and water to be retained by the kidneys, which increases the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. Eprosartan blocks the receptors that angiotensin II acts on, and so prevents its actions. The main result of this is that the peripheral blood vessels are allowed to widen, which means that there is more space and less resistance in these blood vessels. This is the main mechanism by which the pressure in the blood vessels is lowered. Blocking the actions of angiotensin II also reduces the action of aldosterone on the kidneys. The result of this is an increase in the amount of fluid removed from the blood by the kidneys. This decreases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which also lessens the resistance and pressure in the blood vessels. The combined overall effect of these changes is to lower the blood pressure.

What is it used for?

High blood pressure with no known cause

Warning!

Take this medicine with or after food.

This medicine may cause fatigue and dizziness. If affected, caution is required when driving or operating machinery due to the possible reduction in physical and/or mental ability.

There is insufficient information regarding the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children. It is not recommended for children.

People with decreased kidney function should have regular blood tests to monitor the levels of potassium and creatinine in their blood while taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Elderly people over 75 years

Mild to moderately decreased liver function

People with low fluid volume or salt levels in the body, eg due to diuretic therapy, low-sodium diet, diarrhoea or vomiting

Not to be used in

Pregnancy

Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution in nursing mothers, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

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