Eprosartan Mesylate (ep-roe-SAR-tan MES-i-late), Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and a thiazide diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes.
• Some medicines can affect how eprosartan/hydrochlorothiazide works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
  • Cholestyramine or colestipol
  • Insulin or a diabetes medicine that you take by mouth
  • Lithium
  • NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
  • Steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)
• Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
• Alcohol, narcotic pain medicine, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, heart failure, diabetes, glaucoma, gout, lupus, or a history of asthma.
• This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat
• Confusion, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088