Eplerenone (By Mouth)

Eplerenone (e-PLER-en-one)

Treats high blood pressure.

Brand Name(s):

Inspra
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to eplerenone, or if you have severe kidney disease, high amounts of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia), or kidney problems caused by type 2 diabetes. You should not use this medicine if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), potassium supplements, or certain kinds of diuretics or "water pills" (such as Aldactone®, Aldactazide®, Midamor®, Dyrenium®, Moduretic®, Dyazide®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment.
• Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using erythromycin (Erythro-Tab®), verapamil (Calan®), saquinavir (Fortovase®), fluconazole (Diflucan®), lithium, blood pressure medicine (such as Accupril®, Altace®, Avapro®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Hyzaar®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Vasotec®, Zestril®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as ibuprofen, Advil®, Aleve®, Daypro®, Motrin®, Orudis®, Relafen®).
• Do not take any medicine with potassium while you are using eplerenone. This includes salt substitutes and some vitamin or mineral supplements.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
• Chest pain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache, dizziness
• Increase in size of breasts (men and women)
• Unusual vaginal bleeding

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.