Eplerenone

Molecule Description

Eplerenone is used to reduce the risk of complications or death due to heart fa

ilure (impaired pumping efficiency of the heart). It belongs to a class of medicines called ‘aldosterone blocking agents.’

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Eplerenone

It is used to treat and prevent heart failure.

Contraindications of Eplerenone

When should one not use Eplerenone

Allergy to Eplerenone or any components of the medicine
Medicines that increase potassium levels in the body (Spironolactone, Potassium supplements, etc.)
Severe kidney or liver disease
Medicines to treat infections (Clarithromycin, Telithromycin, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir)
Nefazodone (treats depression)
If you are taking a certain class of blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors - Ramipril, Lisinopril, Enalapril) with another particular type of medicines called angiotensin receptor blockers or ARB...
Read more

Side effects of Eplerenone

Common side effects of this drug are:

Elevated levels of potassium in the body (headache, nausea, muscle cramps or loose motions)
Feeling dizzy, fainting (low blood pressure)
High cholesterol levels
Difficulty in sleeping
Constipation
Weakness, muscle aches
Rashes, itching
Kidney problems (increased urea and creatinine levels)
Increase in certain types of white blood cells (eosinophilia), dehydration, infections, low sodium levels, gall bladder problems, blood clots in the leg, sore throat, increased sweating, male breasts,...
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Severe allergic reactions causing swelling of face, lips, throat causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing, with or without itching, rashes, skin blisters and peeling

Precautions and Warnings of Eplerenone

Pregnancy

Can I take Eplerenone during pregnancy?

Eplerenone is not known to cause any harmful effects to the baby, but careful and close monitoring is recommended while using in pregnant women, due to lack of adequate data.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Eplerenone while breastfeeding?

It is not known if Eplerenone is secreted in breast milk. But, because this medicine is used in severe conditions that may harm the mother, a careful decision has to be taken by the doctor about discontinuing the medication or even breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Eplerenone?

Eplerenone does not affect your ability to drive. But taking into account the condition of your heart and side effects such as dizziness, caution is advised.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Eplerenone?

Alcohol lowers blood pressure, causes drowsiness and is not suitable for your heart. Hence it is advised to avoid alcohol while taking Eplerenone.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have kidney or liver diseases
You are taking:
Lithium (for extreme mood swings)
Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus (used to treat allergic skin reactions and suppress the immune system, especially after an organ transplant)

Mode of Action of Eplerenone

How Does It Work?

Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by adrenal gland present above the kidney. The primary function of this substance is to prevent excretion of water by the kidneys. Eplerenone blocks the action of ald...

Interactions of Eplerenone

Interactions with other medicines

Medicines to treat infections (Clarithromycin, Telithromycin, Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Nelfinavir, Ritonavir)
Nefazodone (treats depression)
Do not take these two classes of blood pressure medications together while taking Eplerenone
ACE inhibitors (Ramipril, Lisinopril, Enalapril) with Angiotensin Receptor Blockers or ARBs (Losartan, Telmisartan, Valsartan, etc.)
Use with caution:
Medicines used to treat depression, mood disorders, psychosis (Lithium, Chlorpromazine, Haloperidol, Amitryptiline, Amoxapine)
Medicines used to suppress the immune system or immune response (Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus Hydrocortisone, Prednisone, Tetracosactide)
Medicines used to treat bacterial infections (Trimethoprim, Erythromycin, Rifampicin)
Amifostine (cancer treatment)
Baclofen (treats muscle tightness)
Digoxin and Amiodarone (used for irregular heart rhythms)
Certain blood pressure medications (Diltiazem, Verapamil)
Anti-seizure medications (Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital)
Pain killers

Interactions with food items

Eplerenone can be taken with or without food.

Dietary Restrictions of Eplerenone

No information is available on dietary restrictions while you are taking this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Dosage of Eplerenone

Overdose

Be careful while using Eplerenone. It is strictly recommended to avoid any overdose. Symptoms of overdosage may include slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, dizziness or feeling like you migh...

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Ensure to have at least a 12-hour gap between two dosages. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 12 hours and continue with the usua...

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Nikita Toshi

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there anything else I should know before taking Eplerenone ?

Eplerenone is usually given in combination with other medications. It is started on a low dose
and then increased gradually.
Eplerenone can elevate blood potassium levels and regular blood tests are required to monitor
this. Checking for potassium levels is necessary in the first week and after the first month of
starting the treatment (before changing the dose). The correct dose needs to adjusted based on
the blood potassium levels.
Dose adjustment may be required in kidney disease.
Take this medicine with plenty of water.

Q: Is Eplerenone a safe medicine?

Eplerenone is associated with good control of blood pressure, reduced death rates due to
heart disease and improved survival rates.
It has a better safety profile than the other medicine in its class (spironolactone).
Eplerenone can increase blood potassium levels and cause irregular heartbeats or rhythms, but
these effects are not very severe.
This medicine is specifically used when there are increased levels of the hormone aldosterone
which causes decreased fluid excretion and increased levels in the body leading to high blood
pressure and load on the heart. Aldosterone also has harmful effects on the heart.
Eplerenone blocks aldosterone and its actions and will prove beneficial for survival.

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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