What is Eplerenone?
Eplerenone is a prescription medication available as an oral tablet under the brand name Inspra. It is an aldosterone receptor antagonist, which blocks the effects of the hormone aldosterone in the body.
By doing so, it causes persistent increases in plasma renin and serum aldosterone, reducing sodium and water retention, and helping to manage conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure.
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Get A Second OpinionEplerenone Uses
Eplerenone is used to:
- Treat high blood pressure (alone or with other medications)
- Treat congestive heart failure, particularly after a heart attack
By blocking aldosterone, eplerenone helps the body absorb less sodium and water, which lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease.
Eplerenone Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Cough
- Excessive tiredness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Serious Side Effects:
- Chest pain
- Tingling in arms and legs
- Loss of muscle tone
- Lack of energy
- Cold and gray skin
- Irregular heartbeat
If you experience any serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Precautions
Before taking eplerenone, inform your doctor if you:
- Are allergic to eplerenone or any other medications
- Have high potassium levels, kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes
- Are taking any other medications, including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, vitamins, or herbal products
How to Use Eplerenone
Eplerenone is taken orally, usually once or twice a day, with or without food. The dosage depends on your medical condition, treatment response, and other medications you may be taking. It can take up to 4 weeks for eplerenone to fully affect your blood pressure.
Dosage Forms and Strengths:
-
Generic: Eplerenone
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg
-
Brand: Inspra
- Form: Oral tablet
- Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg
Dosage for High Blood Pressure:
- Adults (18 to 64 years): 50 mg once per day
Dosage for Heart Failure After a Heart Attack:
- Adults (18 to 64 years): 25 mg once per day
Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdose:
If you overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Overdosing can lead to serious health problems.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions
- Kidney Disease: You may be at a higher risk of elevated potassium levels. Your doctor may monitor your kidneys and potassium levels to ensure it is safe to continue eplerenone.
- Diabetes: Avoid using eplerenone if you have diabetes and protein in your urine, as it can lead to hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
- High Blood Pressure: If you have high blood pressure along with kidney issues, diabetes, or protein in your urine, or if you're taking potassium supplements, discuss with your doctor before taking eplerenone.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Pregnancy: Animal studies show no risk to the fetus, but human studies are insufficient. Use eplerenone during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: It is unclear if eplerenone passes into breast milk. Discuss with your doctor whether to take eplerenone or breastfeed.
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Store eplerenone at room temperature (68ºF to 77ºF / 20ºC to 25ºC) away from heat, air, and light. Keep it out of reach of children.
Eplerenone vs Spironolactone
| Eplerenone | Spironolactone |
|---|---|
| Available as oral tablet under brand name Inspra | Potassium-sparing diuretic |
| Used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure | Treats high blood pressure and heart failure |
| Common side effects: headache, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain | Common side effects: vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, painful breasts |
