Uses and Benefits of Selective Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists

                                                                                         

Type of Drug

Antihypertensive; renin angiotensin system antagonist.

How the Drug Works

Eplerenone lowers blood pressure by blocking aldosterone from binding to mineralocorticoid receptors.

Uses

For the treatment of high blood pressure alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

Precautions

Use with caution in the following situations

Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if eplerenone is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Lab Tests: Lab tests may be required to monitor treatment. Tests include serum potassium level monitoring.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any overthe-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with this drug. Drug doses may need to be modified or a different drug prescribed. The following drugs and drugs classes interact with this drug:

ACE inhibitors (eg, lisiopril)

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists (eg,losartan)

CYP-450 3A4 inhibitors (eg, erythromycin, ketoconazole, saquinavir, verapamil)

Lithium (eg, Eskalith)

NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen)

Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride, triamterene)

Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Albumin in the urine; abnormal vaginal bleeding; breast enlargement or pain.

Other: Diarrhea; stomach pain; abnormal blood tests; dizziness; coughing; fatigue; flu-like symptoms; headache.

Guidelines for Use

Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.

Do not stop taking or change the dose, unless instructed by your doctor.

Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium while taking this drug.

Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.

Store at room temperature (59 to 86F).

About the author:
Robert Baird, author for http://www.drug-facts.net/ explains all the uses and side effects of using drugs and various other types of drugs like blood modifiers and central nervous system agents .

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