Brand names: Inspra™
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Eplerenone Oral tablet (below)
- Eplerenone tablets
Eplerenone Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
EPLERENONE (e PLER en one) is used to treat high blood pressure. This medicine is also used to improve symptoms of heart failure.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•diabetes
•high blood level of potassium
•if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet and are using dietary salt substitutes
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•an unusual or allergic reaction to eplerenone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
•certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin
•conivaptan
•diuretics, especially amiloride, spironolactone or triamterene
•imatinib, STI-571
•medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole and ketoconazole
•nefazodone
•nelfinavir
•potassium salts or supplements
•ritonavir
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
•fluconazole
•grapefruit juice
•lithium
•medicines for high blood pressure
•medicines for HIV infection
•NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
•St. John's Wort
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.
You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluid you need to drink each day. You must not get dehydrated.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
•chest pain
•confusion
•enlarged breasts or breast pain in males
•fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
•increased hair growth in females
•irregular menstrual periods
•sexual difficulty
•unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•cough
•diarrhea
•fatigue
•headache
•stomach pain
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 10/4/2002 12:57:00 PM
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
