Sign inBefore taking eplerenone
Before taking eplerenone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you have kidney or liver problems.
- If you have been told you have high levels of potassium in your blood.
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take eplerenone
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take eplerenone exactly as your doctor has told you. It is taken once daily.
- Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. It is not important whether you take your dose before or after food.
- Try to take eplerenone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember if this is during the same day as your dose was due. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the forgotten dose and just take the dose that is due. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements with eplerenone.
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with eplerenone and your other medicines.
Can eplerenone cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dizziness, light-headedness | Getting up more slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing. Do not drive or operate machinery if you are feeling dizzy |
| Feeling sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
| Other common side-effects: skin rash, kidney problems | Let your doctor know if you develop a rash or if you have any problems passing urine |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store eplerenone
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Inspra® 25 mg and 50 mg film-coated tablets, Pfizer Limited, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2012.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
| Original Author: Helen Allen Last Checked: 13 Jan 2011 | Current Version: Helen Allen Document ID: 13597 Version: 2 | Peer Reviewer: Prof Cathy Jackson © EMIS |