Epliron 25mg Tablets

Eplerenone is mainly used to treat heart failure. It blocks a hormone called aldosterone, which controls how much salt and water the body keeps. Too much aldosterone can bring on or worsen heart failure.

By blocking it, eplerenone helps to:

• lower blood pressure
• control the amount of salt and water in the body
• improve how well the heart works and stop heart failure getting worse

It can take up to 4 weeks to reach its full effect.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day at the same time. Your doctor may change the dose depending on your potassium level.

• You can take it with or without food. Taking it with a meal may help if it makes you feel sick.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember that day. If you miss a whole day, skip it and carry on as normal. Never take two doses together.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well. Treatment is usually long term, so do not stop without speaking to your doctor.
• Go to all your blood tests to check potassium and kidney function.

Common side effects include:

• feeling dizzy, especially when standing up
• headache
• difficulty sleeping
• cough
• feeling or being sick

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• muscle cramps, diarrhoea, weakness or feeling sick (possible high potassium)
• peeing less, dark urine, thirst, drowsiness or confusion (possible dehydration or kidney problems)
• a fast or irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
• swelling of the face, lips or throat, or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to eplerenone or another medicine
• have liver or kidney disease
• have type 2 diabetes
• have high potassium levels in your blood
• take blood pressure medicines (such as ramipril or losartan), spironolactone or amiloride, lithium, digoxin, amiodarone, NSAIDs, ciclosporin, tacrolimus, some antibiotics, antifungals (such as fluconazole), HIV or epilepsy medicines, or warfarin

Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes such as low-sodium salt, and avoid St John's wort.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Potassium: eplerenone can raise potassium levels. Limit high-potassium foods if your doctor advises, and avoid salt substitutes.

Alcohol: best avoided when starting or after a dose increase, as it can make you more dizzy.

Driving: do not drive or cycle if you feel dizzy or tired.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding, as other medicines may be better.