Eplerenone is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
It is also used to treat heart failure in patients who have had a heart attack.
Take Eplerenone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Eplerenone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- high potassium levels in the blood
- severe kidney disease
- type 2 diabetes mellitus (a long-term condition in which the body gradually becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin) in people being treated for high blood pressure
as Eplerenone may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Eplerenone with medicines used to treat fungal infection, HIV infection, and depression. Please see the section "Can I take this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- moderate kidney disease
- moderate to severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Eplerenone to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, potassium levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly before and during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Eplerenone may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, dizziness, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, difficulty sleeping, weakness or lack of energy, muscle pain, cough, rash, and itching.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Eplerenone with the following medicines:
- other similar types of medicine e.g. amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene
- medicine to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, erythromycin
- medicine for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir
- potassium supplements
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure e.g. enalapril, losartan, prazosin
- medicine used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders e.g. cyclosporin, tacrolimus
- medicine to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline, desipramine
- NSAIDs (medicine for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen
- herbal medicine e.g. St. John's wort
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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