ARBs
Eprosartan
An angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels to lower high blood pressure.
What is Eprosartan?
Eprosartan is an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) used to lower high blood pressure. It works by blocking a hormone that tightens blood vessels, so the vessels relax and pressure falls. It is often chosen as an alternative for people who develop a dry cough on an ACE inhibitor.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Eprosartan — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Eprosartan is an angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB), in the same family as losartan and candesartan. In the UK it is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). ARBs are commonly used when an ACE inhibitor would otherwise be suitable but is not tolerated, most often because of the dry cough that ACE inhibitors can cause.
How it works
Angiotensin II is a hormone that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Eprosartan blocks the receptor that angiotensin II acts on, so the hormone can no longer tighten the vessels. The arteries relax and widen, the pressure inside them falls, and the heart has less resistance to pump against.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Originally developed by SmithKline Beecham (now GSK); available as a generic medicine..
Developed in the 1990s as an angiotensin-II receptor blocker and licensed in the UK for high blood pressure.
What it treats
Conditions Eprosartan is used for
Practical use
How to take Eprosartan
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it at the same time each day to keep blood pressure steady.
- Swallow the tablet with a drink of water; it can be taken with or without food.
- Stand up slowly when you first start, as it can cause dizziness.
- If you become unwell with vomiting or diarrhoea, get advice, as dehydration can affect your kidneys.
- If a dose is missed, take it when you remember unless the next one is near, then skip it; never double up.
- Do not stop without advice, and tell your prescriber straight away if you think you may be pregnant.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Eprosartan
Advantages
- Effectively lowers blood pressure with once-daily dosing.
- Rarely causes the dry cough seen with ACE inhibitors, so it is a useful alternative.
- Generally well tolerated, with protective effects on the kidneys in some people.
Disadvantages
- Can raise potassium and affect kidney function, so blood tests are needed.
- May cause dizziness, especially at the start or alongside water tablets.
- Must be stopped in pregnancy, so it is avoided in women who may become pregnant without careful planning.
Practical use
Good to know
Eprosartan is usually taken once a day and works quietly in the background, so you will not feel it lowering your blood pressure. Unlike ACE inhibitors it rarely causes a cough. Your kidney function and potassium level are checked with blood tests around starting and after any change. It must not be used in pregnancy.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy — ARBs can harm the baby and are stopped beforehand.
- People with severe kidney problems or narrowing of the arteries to the kidneys, without specialist advice.
- People with a high blood potassium level, who need careful monitoring.
Monitoring
- Blood pressure
- Kidney function and potassium around starting and after changes
Side effects
- Dizziness or light-headedness, particularly when starting or standing up quickly.
- Headache and tiredness in some people.
- Less commonly, a rise in blood potassium or changes in kidney blood tests; rarely, swelling of the face or throat (angioedema) — seek urgent help if this happens.
Key interactions
- Other medicines that raise potassium, including potassium-sparing water tablets and potassium supplements.
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) can reduce its effect and strain the kidneys, especially with a water tablet.
- Combining with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren is generally avoided — blocking the renin system in two ways raises the risk of low blood pressure, high potassium and kidney injury, particularly in diabetes or kidney disease.
Available as: Tablets.
Answers
Eprosartan: frequently asked questions
Why might I be given eprosartan instead of an ACE inhibitor?
ARBs such as eprosartan work in a similar way to ACE inhibitors but rarely cause the dry, tickly cough that some people get on an ACE inhibitor, so they are a common alternative.
Does eprosartan cause a cough?
A cough is much less likely with eprosartan than with ACE inhibitors. If you do develop a persistent cough, mention it to your prescriber so other causes can be considered.
Can I take eprosartan in pregnancy?
No. ARBs can harm a developing baby and are not used in pregnancy. Tell your prescriber straight away if you are pregnant or planning to be, so a safer option can be arranged.
Why do I need blood tests on eprosartan?
Blood tests check your kidney function and potassium level around the time you start and after any change, because ARBs can affect both.
Will I feel different on eprosartan?
Most people feel no different, as it lowers blood pressure quietly. Some notice mild dizziness early on, which usually settles. The benefit is reduced long-term risk of heart attack and stroke.
The wider class
About ARBs
Eprosartan belongs to the arbs class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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