What is Teveten®?

Teveten® is a brand of eprosartan, a drug used to treat hypertension, which is high blood pressure. Its active ingredient is eprosartan mesylate, an angiotensin II receptor blocker or antagonist. High blood pressure can result in cardiovascular disease. This is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

The blood pressure in the body is controlled by many factors, the main one being the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This is a complex system of hormones that regulate blood pressure. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system can be thought of as the headquarters of long-term blood pressure control. One of the hormones, angiotensin II, acts directly on the blood vessels to raise blood pressure. It also stimulates the production of aldosterone, which is a vasoconstrictor and causes a further increase in blood pressure.

High blood pressure increases the workload on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can result in damage to the vessels of the heart, kidney and brain. In the long term, this might cause heart failure, stroke and kidney damage.

Eprosartan, the angiotensin II receptor blocker in Teveten®, blocks the angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effect of angiotensin II on the blood vessels. In combination with the subsequent decreased production of aldosterone, which lessens the vasoconstriction of the blood vessels, this lowers the blood pressure.

Teveten® is one of a number of drugs in the angiotensin II receptor blocker class — drugs that act via the same mechanism. Others include valsartan, candesartan and losartan. Eprosartan might be manufactured by different companies in different countries and be known by different trade names. It also might available as a combined product, such as in combination with hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic.

The normal dose of Teveten® is 400-800 milligrams daily, taken as a single dose or divided into a twice-daily dose. It should be used under doctor's supervision and is available only by prescription. Teveten® might interact with other medication — prescription, over-the-counter, homoeopathic or complementary. The prescribing doctor should be informed of any concomitant medication and allergies. Lifestyle and dietary changes should be made to decrease blood pressure, along with the use of Teveten®.

Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to to become pregnant should inform their doctors. As with any medication, Teveten® might have side effects in some people. These might include dizziness, headache or high potassium levels. Generally, these side effects are mild and do not require discontinuation of the medication. Should adverse side effects be experienced, they should be discussed with the prescribing doctor.