Prescription Required
Description
Inspra is an oral tablet made up of an aldosterone receptor antagonist drug called eplerenone. We carry the brand choice and generic alternative of this medication in 25mg and 50mg!
Inspra (eplerenone) is prescribed alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure and may also be used to lower the risk of death from heart failure after experiencing a heart attack. High blood pressure can be caused by a number of things, such as smoking, being overweight, lack of physical activity, too much sodium (salt) in the diet, excessive alcohol consumption (1 – 2 drinks a day) and stress. Leaving high blood pressure untreated for too long can lead to health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. Those who suffer from heart attacks, risk heart failure, a condition that occurs when your heart cannot pump enough oxygen in the blood to keep the organs and tissues satisfied. The risk of death from heart failure goes up significantly after having a heart attack, especially in the first following month of the attack.
Inspra (eplerenone) is effective in treating both hypertension and preventing death from heart failure in patients who recently suffered a heart attack because of its ability to block aldosterone ( a natural chemical in the body) which results in decreased sodium and water retained in the body. Those with more fluid in their body will have higher blood pressure, so by lowering the fluid in the body, you are also reducing blood pressure.
Directions
Follow the directions given to you by your doctor very carefully. Taking the medication incorrectly could lead to ineffectiveness, adverse interactions and irritating and enhanced side effects.
Inspra may be taken with or without food, depending on your doctors instructions.
You may need blood work done while being treated with Inspra, Ensure you are keeping up with your blood tests.
If you have high blood pressure, continue using this medication even if you feel you are better. Hypertension usually has little to no symptoms.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it from getting wet or heated up.
Cautions
You may need to find an alternative medication or take special precautions when taking Inspra if you have high potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), severe kidney disease, or type 2 diabetes with increased levels of albumin (a protein) in your urine. Consult your doctor if these conditions apply to you.
You are likely able to use Inspra, but may still need special precautionary measures or a dose adjustment before starting treatment if you have kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, or if you have high cholesterol or triglycerides.
Your doctor may decide to change your treatment plan if you use certain types of medications. These medications include other medications for heart or blood pressure conditions, nefazodone, a potassium supplement, an antibiotic--clarithromycin, telithromycin, antifungal medicine--itraconazole, ketoconazole, a diuretic or "water pill"--amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene, or antiviral medicine to treat HIV/AIDS--indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir. Consult your doctor if you take any of these medications.
Tell your doctor if you are breast feeding or if you are pregnant. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk or if it will harm an unborn baby. However, having high blood pressure during a pregnancy can cause the baby to develop complications such as diabetes or extremely high blood pressure that can affect both the baby and mother poorly. Heart failure can worsen during pregnancy and cause the baby to be pre-mature (born early) which can also present complications in the newborn. The benefit of treating hypertension or heart failure may outweigh the risks to the baby.
Taking Inspra may cause partial or total infertility in men.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Inspra (eplerenone) may include:
high potassium; headache; or dizziness.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Inspra (eplerenone) may include:
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; diarrhea, vomiting; little or no urination; fast or irregular heartbeats; trouble breathing; or swelling in your feet or lower legs.
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…
high potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.
FAQs
What should I avoid while using Inspra?
Avoid using potassium supplements or salt supplements, unless your doctor has told you to do so.
Can this medication be used by children?
Inspra is safe and effective for children who are at least 12 years of age. Children under 12 years old should not use Inspra.
How should I store this medication?
As with all medications, keep out of reach of children and pets. Ensure the medication is kept in a cool, dry, room temperature room, where it does not risk getting wet or hot.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If your next dose is approaching soon, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on your next dose to make up for the missed dose.
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