GENERIC NAME: EPLERENONE - ORAL (eh-PLER-en-own)

BRAND NAME(S): Inspra

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: 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. The dosage is based on your medical condition (high blood pressure, congestive heart failure) and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. It is important to continue 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 take full effect on your blood pressure.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, cough or flu-like symptoms (e.g., fever, chills, unusual tiredness) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: abnormal vaginal bleeding, enlarged or sore breasts in males, mental/mood changes, chest pain. This medication can raise your body's potassium levels. Potassium blood levels should be checked periodically while you take this drug. If not treated, high potassium levels can lead to very serious (rarely fatal) heart rhythms. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: severe muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Congestive Heart Failure - Read about congestive heart failure symptoms like fatigue, abdomen, leg and ankle swelling, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, increased urination, nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. Source:MedicineNet Electrolytes - Electrolytes in the body need to be maintained for bodily fluid function. Electrolytes are lost through bodily secretions such as sweat, diarrhea, vomiting. Source:MedicineNet High Blood Pressure - High Blood Pressure: Medical information about hypertension, its treatment, therapies and prevention Source:MedicineNet Read 23 more eplerenone-oral related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection