Inspra (Eplerenone) for Heart Disease

Overview
Inspra is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve survival in people with symptomatic heart failure after a heart attack and to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). For heart disease, it is prescribed specifically for individuals with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and those who are clinically stable after a recent myocardial infarction (heart attack). People must have a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40 percent or lower to be eligible for the medication.

In the treatment of hypertension, Inspra is used to lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. It may be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications. Inspra is also known by its drug name, eplerenone.

Eplerenone works by blocking aldosterone, a hormone that causes the body to retain salt and water, which leads to increased blood pressure. By reducing aldosterone’s effects, eplerenone helps lower blood pressure and decrease the strain on the heart in patients with both heart disease and hypertension.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Inspra is taken orally as a tablet. For heart failure after a heart attack, treatment schedule typically begins with a smaller, once- daily dose and is gradually increased to the target daily dose over about four weeks. The dose may be adjusted based on potassium levels, which need to be monitored regularly.

For hypertension, the medication is also taken once daily. If blood pressure is not adequately controlled, the dose schedule may be increased to twice daily. The full effect of the medication on blood pressure can take up to four weeks. 

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
According to prescribing information, common side effects of Inspra include hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels), increased creatinine (a marker of kidney function), dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.

Rare but serious side effects may include severe hyperkalemia, which can cause heart rhythm problems, as well as hypotension (low blood pressure) and kidney failure. People with existing kidney disease or diabetes are at higher risk for these complications.

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Label: Inspra— Eplerenone Tablet, Film Coated — DailyMed

Inspra — Drugs.com