WHAT IT IS USED FOR : 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 congestive heart failure following a heart attack. HOW TO USE : Take this medication by mouth, usually once or twice daily, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.
The dosage is based on your medical condition (high blood pressure, heart failure), 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).
It may take up to 4 weeks for this medication to fully affect your blood pressure.
Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. WARNİNGS AND PRECAUTIONS: 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 breast-feeding. CONTRAINDICATIONS: 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). SIDE EFFECTS: 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. |