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eplerenone - oral, Inspra

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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

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. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow/irregular heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur.Dosage is based on your medical condition (high blood pressure, congestive heart failure), laboratory test results, and response to therapy. It may take up to 4 weeks for this medication to fully affect your blood pressure.It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also How to Use section.Headache, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, cough or flu-like symptoms (such as fever, chills, unusual tiredness) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: abnormal vaginal bleeding, enlarged or sore breasts in males.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.