Eplerenone tablets

July 17, 2018

Eplerenone tablets

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.

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.

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

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • boceprevir

  • certain antibiotics like chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, dalfopristin; quinupristin, and telithromycin

  • certain diuretics like amiloride, spironolactone, and triamterene

  • certain medicines for fungal infections like itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole

  • certain medicines for HIV or AIDS like atazanavir, cobicistat, darunavir, delavirdine, fosamprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir boosted with ritonavir, and tipranavir

  • conivaptan

  • grapefruit and grapefruit juice

  • idelalisib

  • mifepristone

  • nefazodone

  • potassium salts or supplements

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain medicines for high blood pressure like enalapril, candesartan, lisinopril, and valsartan

  • erythromycin

  • fluconazole

  • lithium

  • NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

  • verapamil

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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.

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

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.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018