This medication is used alone or in combination with
other medicines to treat high blood pressure. It works by blocking a
chemical (aldosterone) in your body which in turn lowers the amount of
sodium and water the body retains. Lowering high blood pressure helps
prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems. It is also used to
treat heart failure following a heart attack.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response
to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your
doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including
prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal
products).
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Keep
taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood
pressure do not feel sick.
It may take up to 4 weeks for this medication to fully
affect your blood pressure.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high
or increase).
Headache, dizziness, diarrhea, or vomiting may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding
- enlarged or sore breasts in males
- symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle
weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking eplerenone, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- high potassium blood levels (hyperkalemia)
- kidney disease
- diabetes
This medication may increase your potassium levels.
Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain
potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of
this drug, especially the raising of potassium blood
levels.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also Precautions section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some of the products that may interact with this drug
include:
- drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood
(such as birth control pills containing drospirenone, potassium sparing
"water pills" such as amiloride/spironolactone/triamterene)
- lithium
Other medications can affect the removal of eplerenone
from your body, which may affect how eplerenone works. Examples include
adagrasib, certain azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole),
clarithromycin, cobicistat, nefazodone, certain HIV protease inhibitors
(such as nelfinavir), ritonavir, St. John's wort, telithromycin, among
others.
Some products have ingredients that could raise your
blood pressure or worsen your heart failure. Tell your pharmacist what
products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially
cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as
ibuprofen/naproxen).
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
dizziness, severe muscle weakness, or irregular heartbeat.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lifestyle changes that may help this medication work
better include exercising, stopping smoking, and eating a
low-cholesterol/low-fat diet. Consult your doctor for more
details.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as potassium blood
levels, kidney function) should be done before you start taking this
medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking
this medication. Learn how to monitor your own blood pressure at home, and
share the results with your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.