Uses
What is eplerenone used for?
Eplerenone (Inspra) is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure after a heart attack.
Eplerenone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does eplerenone work (mechanism of action)?
Eplerenone works by blocking a hormone called aldosterone in your body. Aldosterone causes your body to retain sodium and water, which can increase blood pressure. Blocking aldosterone helps decrease the amount of sodium and water the body retains.
How is eplerenone supplied (dosage forms)?
Eplerenone is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 25 mg oral tablets
- 50 mg oral tablets
How should I store eplerenone?
Eplerenone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of eplerenone?
The most common side effects of eplerenone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- High potassium levels (see below)
- Increased creatinine levels
There may be other side effects of eplerenone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of eplerenone?
While less common, the most serious side effects of eplerenone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Eplerenone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using/taking eplerenone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Eplerenone can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.
- Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
- Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use eplerenone?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use eplerenone products.
- Eplerenone
- Inspra
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific eplerenone products they stock.
Drug Interactions. Eplerenone should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking eplerenone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
High Potassium Levels. Eplerenone should not be taken if you have high potassium levels in your blood. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your potassium levels and determine if it is safe for you to take this medicine.
Kidney Problems. Eplerenone should not be taken if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about your kidney function, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.
What should I know about eplerenone before using it?
Do not take eplerenone unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share eplerenone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep eplerenone out of the reach of children.
People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from eplerenone. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using eplerenone?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if eplerenone is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Diabetes with increased protein levels in the urine
- High potassium levels in the blood
Other Medicines and Supplements. Eplerenone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking eplerenone, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how eplerenone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if eplerenone passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take eplerenone while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does eplerenone interact with foods or drinks?
Grapefruit may increase the amount of eplerenone in your body and the risk of side effects.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect eplerenone, but alcohol may increase potassium levels and increase the risk of this side effect from eplerenone.
Does eplerenone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking eplerenone.
- Potassium supplements
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
- Lithium, which is a medicine used for mood disorders like bipolar disorder
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are present in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of eplerenone. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with eplerenone. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much eplerenone?
If you or someone else has used too much eplerenone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of eplerenone?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Eplerenone (Inspra)?
This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.