eplerenone at a glance
Medicine class
Selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, also called an aldosterone blocker.
Main role
Used with other treatments in specified forms of heart failure, including after a recent heart attack.
Key safety checks
Blood potassium and kidney function require monitoring.
Food
Tablets may be taken with or without food.
What is eplerenone used for?
Licensed as an addition to standard treatment to reduce cardiovascular illness and death in:
Stable patients with heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction after a recent myocardial infarction.
Adults with chronic NYHA class II heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction meeting the licensed criteria.
How does eplerenone work?
Eplerenone selectively blocks aldosterone at mineralocorticoid receptors, reducing its effects on fluid balance, blood pressure and the heart.
eplerenone preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg
How to take eplerenone
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber's instructions. Do not change or stop treatment without discussing it with the clinical team.
Swallow the tablet whole with water.
It can be taken with or without food.
Avoid potassium supplements and potassium-containing salt substitutes unless specifically advised by a clinician.
eplerenone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Raised blood potassium
- Dizziness, headache or fainting
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty sleeping
- Cough
- Diarrhoea, nausea or constipation
- Muscle spasms or back pain
- Rash or itching
- Changes in kidney-function blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Fast or irregular heartbeat or chest pain.
- Sudden facial, mouth or throat swelling, or breathing difficulty.
- Muscle weakness or cramps, diarrhoea or nausea, which may indicate high potassium.
- Reduced urination, confusion, severe drowsiness or persistent sickness, which may indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration.
eplerenone in pregnancy
Experience during pregnancy is limited. Anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy should ask the prescriber to review the benefits, uncertainties and possible alternatives rather than stopping independently.
eplerenone while breastfeeding
Human information is limited, although very small amounts appear to enter breast milk. It may be used after clinician review when the baby is healthy; seek advice if the baby feeds differently, becomes unusually sleepy or develops vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or a rash.
eplerenone interactions
A prescriber or pharmacist should review all medicines, supplements and herbal products.
Potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes and potassium-sparing diuretics
These can cause dangerously high potassium. Concurrent potassium-sparing diuretics are contraindicated.
ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers
Either can increase high-potassium risk; using both classes together with eplerenone is contraindicated.
Common questions about eplerenone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why does eplerenone require blood tests?
It can raise blood potassium and affect kidney function. Testing helps identify changes before they become serious.
Can eplerenone be taken with food?
Yes. Food does not materially affect its absorption.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.