Eplerenone
Description
Eplerenone is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to prevent heart failure after a heart attack. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in your body (aldosterone) that raise blood pressure.
Eplerenone may cause some side effects like tiredness, unusual weakness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects are temporary and subside with time. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Eplerenone may be taken with or without food. The dose and duration of treatment will be determined by your doctor. You should not stop taking Eplerenone without consulting your doctor as it may worsen your condition.
Eplerenone can interact with other medical conditions and medications. Inform your doctor if you have liver, heart and kidney problems, diabetes, or if you are under any medication. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Eplerenone
- Chest pain
- Tingling of hands and feet
- Confusion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Headache
- Flu-like symptoms
- Cough
- Breast enlargement
Uses of Eplerenone
What is it prescribed for?
- Hypertension
- Congestive Heart Failure post myocardial infarction
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for Eplerenone to show its action is one to two hours.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Eplerenone remains active in your body is one to two days.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Eplerenone due to the increased risk of hypotension (low blood pressure), lightheadedness, fainting, dizziness, etc.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported for Eplerenone.
- Usage in pregnancy?Eplerenone is not recommended for use in pregnant women as not enough studies are done to understand its safety. This medicine is prescribed by your doctor only when the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Eplerenone is not recommended in breastfeeding women as it is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Allergy
Avoid taking Eplerenone if you have a known allergy to it. Seek medical attention if you come across any allergic reactions such as skin rashes, swelling (face, lips, tongue, etc.), breathing difficulty, etc.
Hyperkalaemia
Hyperkalemia is an increase in the level of potassium in your blood. Eplerenone is not recommended in such conditions as it may increase your blood potassium levels and worsen your condition.
Severe kidney impairment
Eplerenone is excreted through urine and pre-existing kidney problems can lead to the accumulation of this medicine in your kidney causing serious damage. Hence, it is not recommended in such conditions.
Severe liver impairment
Eplerenone is not recommended if you have liver problems or have been reported with any abnormality in your liver function tests. This medicine is metabolised in your liver and pre-existing liver problems can lead to the accumulation of this medicine causing serious liver damage.
Tpye II Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a condition in which there is an increase in your blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is where your body doesn't properly use insulin in the blood. Eplerenone is not recommended for use if you have type 2 diabetes due to the increased risk of hyperkalemia (increased blood potassium level) and cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Eplerenone is not recommended for use in pregnant women as not enough studies are done to understand its safety. This medicine is prescribed by your doctor only when the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast-feeding
Eplerenone is not recommended in breastfeeding women as it is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings
Driving and Operating machines
Eplerenone may cause dizziness. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving vehicles or operating machines during treatment with this medicine.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Eplerenone, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose of Eplerenone.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Eplerenone due to the increased risk of hypotension (low blood pressure), lightheadedness, fainting, dizziness, etc.
Interaction with Medicine
Clarithromycin
Azole antifungal agents
Tizanidine
Spironolactone
Amiloride
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Eplerenone with or without food. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than prescribed. Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Eplerenone blocks the action of certain natural substances in your body (aldosterone) that raises blood pressure.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Aldosterone receptor antagonists
Schedule
N/A
Drugs, H., 2021. Eplerenone: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 6 December 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Eplerenone 50 mg film-coated tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 6 December 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 17 Jan 2022
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.