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 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 ARBs (Losartan, Telmisartan, Valsartan, etc.)...
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, thyroid problems, raised blood glucose levels...
- 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
Q:
Can I take Eplerenone during pregnancy?
A:
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
Q:
Can I take Eplerenone while breastfeeding?
A:
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
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Eplerenone?
A:
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
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Eplerenone?
A:
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 aldosterone and causes more fluid to excrete through the kidneys. Thus relieving high blood pressure and reducing the load on the heart, whose pumping ability is already impaired due to heart failure....
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 might pass out or faint. Inform your doctor and seek medical attention without delay if you start feeling uncomfortable....
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 usual next dose. Do not take extra medicine or double dose to compensate for the missed dose....
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.
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