Teveten (eprosartan mesylate plus hydrochlorothiazide)
The following drug information is obtained from various newswires, published
medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations.
General Information
Teveten HCT, a combination of eprosartan mesylate and
hydrochlorothiazide, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment
of hypertension (high blood pressure). Eprosartan mesylate works by
blocking the angiotensin II receptor. The hormone angiotensin II
plays a role in hypertension by causing blood vessels to constrict,
which raises blood pressure. By blocking the effects of angiotensin
II, eprosartan mesylate prevents this pressure increase.
Hydrochlorothiazide is also an anti-hypertensive compound; however,
the way in which thiazides produce this effect is unknown.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, it
is estimated that one in every four American adults has
hypertension. Hypertension can be defined as a sustained elevation
of the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. The first
line of treatment for hypertension is changing unhealthy lifestyle
habits; if this is not sufficient, blood pressure medications may
be utilized.
Side Effects
Side effects reported with eprosartan mesylate use in clinical
trials include:
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Rhinitis
- Pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx)
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
Mechanism of Action
Angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, is the principal
pressor agent of the renin-angiotensin system. Angiotensin II also
stimulates aldosterone synthesis and secretion by the adrenal
cortex, cardiac contraction, renal resorption of sodium, activity
of the sympathetic nervous system, and smooth muscle cell growth.
Eprosartan blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting
effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of
angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor found in many tissues (e.g.,
vascular smooth muscle, adrenal gland). (from Teveten Prescribing
Information)
Additional Information