Eprosartan: a review of its use in hypertension

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Nephrology

Background:

• Hypertension management requires effective and well-tolerated antihypertensive agents.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are a key class of drugs for treating high blood pressure.
• Eprosartan is an ARB with a specific profile regarding efficacy, tolerability, and clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antihypertensive efficacy and tolerability of eprosartan compared to placebo and enalapril.
• To assess the impact of eprosartan on metabolic parameters and pharmacokinetic interactions.
• To investigate the clinical outcomes and cognitive effects of eprosartan in hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

• Large, randomized clinical trials comparing eprosartan (with or without hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ]) to placebo and enalapril.
• Secondary prevention trial (MOSES) in hypertensive patients with previous cerebrovascular events.
• Observational study (OSCAR) in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients aged 50 years and older.

Main Results:

• Eprosartan demonstrated superior antihypertensive efficacy to placebo and similar effects to enalapril.
• Eprosartan was well-tolerated, with a lower incidence of dry cough than enalapril.
• Eprosartan showed neutral effects on metabolic parameters and improved clinical outcomes and cognitive function in specific patient populations.

Conclusions:

• Eprosartan is a valuable treatment option for hypertension, offering effective blood pressure control and a favorable tolerability profile.
• Combination therapy with eprosartan and HCTZ is a rational regimen, potentially reversing thiazide-induced potassium loss.
• Eprosartan's benefits extend beyond blood pressure reduction, impacting cardiovascular health and cognitive function.