eplerenone-oral (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking eplerenone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high potassium blood levels (hyperkalemia), severe kidney disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart disease, low sodium levels (hyponatremia), liver problems. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects especially the raising of potassium blood levels. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: certain azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), certain macrolide antibiotics (clarithromycin, troleandomycin), nefazodone, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), certain protease inhibitors (nelfinavir, ritonavir). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting eplerenone. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, enalapril), angiotensin II blockers (e.g., losartan, valsartan), other azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole), lithium, other macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), other protease inhibitors (e.g., saquinavir), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., NSAIDs like ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen), St. John's wort, verapamil. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using potassium-containing products (salt substitutes) or eating large amounts of potassium-containing foods (e.g., bananas). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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.
- Electrolytes - Read about blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicorbonate) and the effects of electrolyte imbalances like kidney failure, low blood pressure, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.
- 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.
- High Blood Pressure - Learn about high blood pressure symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and more. Causes, and normal blood pressure information is included.
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