Inspra
(eplerenone)
Helps lower blood pressure and protect the heart in people with heart failure.
Our bottom line
Inspra (eplerenone) lowers blood pressure and can help remove fluid when it's used with other drugs. It reduces the risk of death in people with heart failure and is usually used when people can't take spironolactone.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (eplerenone)
Upsides
- Lowers your blood pressure.
- It can help remove fluid from your body when it's used with other drugs.
- Reduces the risk of death in people with heart failure.
- It can have fewer side effects than spironolactone.
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What to expect from Inspra, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Inspra (eplerenone) isn't a first choice medicine for lowering blood pressure or getting rid of fluid in the body. It's usually used in combination with other medicines.
- It can make you feel dizzy for the first few days. Be careful driving until you know how it affects you.
- You'll need to have blood tests done regularly since Inspra (eplerenone) can affect your potassium levels and kidney function.
- It can be very expensive compared to spironolactone.
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What to expect from Inspra, on one page
Download Fact SheetInspra (eplerenone) is an aldosterone antagonist. It blocks aldosterone (a hormone) and helps your kidneys get rid of excess fluid in your body, which helps lower blood pressure.
- Drug class: Cardiovascular
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (eplerenone)
Used for
- Heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Aldosteronism
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$35.60
- Rite AidGet free coupon$35.72
What to expect when you take Inspra (eplerenone) for High blood pressure
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Breast tenderness
Side effect rates for Inspra (eplerenone)
- High potassium3%3%2%2%
- Abnormal renal function3%3%2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Inspra.
People taking Inspra felt side effect more
People taking Inspra felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Inspra (eplerenone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking with alcohol
- › Taking other medicines that lower your blood pressure
Inspra (eplerenone) lowers your blood pressure and can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. This should go away after a few days, but talk to your doctor if it doesn't. They may change your dose or put you on a different medication.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication reduces fatalities in individuals with congestive heart failure after a heart attack (myocardial infarction).Common concerns from people taking Inspra (eplerenone)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals haven’t found a risk to unborn babies, but it hasn’t been properly studied in humans.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Inspra (eplerenone) shouldn't be used by people with bad kidneys since it can hurt your kidneys or cause worse side effects, such as high potassium levels. Your doctor will do frequent blood tests to monitor your kidney function and electrolytes while you're on this drug.
- Shouldn't be used by people with kidney or liver damage.
- You'll need to have blood tests done regularly since Inspra (eplerenone) can affect your potassium levels and kidney function.