Inspra (Eplerenone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Inspra Used For?
Inspra contains eplerenone and is primarily used to manage heart failure in individuals who have had a heart attack. It also helps lower the risk of death or hospital visits related to chronic heart failure.
Primary Uses
Inspra is used to treat heart failure in patients post-heart attack and to minimize the risk of death or hospitalizations in those with chronic heart failure.
How It Works
Inspra works by blocking the action of aldosterone, a hormone that can contribute to heart failure, thereby reducing heart damage and slowing the progression of the condition.
Good to know: Inspra is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Inspra
Follow your doctor's instructions on how to take Inspra. It is important to adhere to the prescribed dosage for optimal results.
Dosage Instructions
The usual starting dose of Inspra is 25 mg taken once daily. After about four weeks, your doctor may adjust the dose to 50 mg daily based on your response and potassium levels.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it's less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. If it's more than 12 hours, take it as soon as you remember, but do not double the dose.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- feeling light-headed or dizzy
- stomach issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence)
- cough
- sore throat
- headache
- rash or itchy skin
- high temperature
- back pain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- heart flutters or increased heart rate
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- muscle spasms and pain
- abdominal pain
- breast enlargement in men
- reduced sense of touch
- increased sweating
- general weakness
- sleep problems
Important Warnings
There are specific conditions and situations where Inspra should not be taken or requires caution.
Who Should Not Take Inspra
Do not take Inspra if you are allergic to eplerenone or any of its ingredients, have high potassium levels, severely reduced kidney function, severe liver problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Inform your doctor if you have allergies, diabetes, long-term kidney disease, or liver issues before starting Inspra.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Inspra should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding as it may affect the baby.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Inspra.
Drug Interactions
Inspra may interact with several other medications, which can affect its efficacy or increase side effects.
Grapefruit interaction: Grapefruit may interact with Inspra and should be discussed with your doctor.
- potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride)
- ketoconazole, itraconazole (fungal infections)
- clarithromycin (bacterial infections)
- saquinavir, ritonavir (HIV treatment)
- ACE inhibitors and ARBs (e.g., quinapril, losartan)
- NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen)
- lithium (mood stabilization)
- certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, trimethoprim)
- immunosuppressive agents (e.g., ciclosporin, tacrolimus)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and operating vehicles or machinery while taking Inspra.
Alcohol
Discuss alcohol use with your doctor, as it may affect your treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Inspra may cause dizziness; avoid driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you.
Temperature Regulation
Stay hydrated during exercise and in hot weather while on Inspra to avoid feeling faint.
Storage
Store Inspra tablets in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Avoid storing in bathrooms or near sinks.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26.
Frequently Asked Questions
Inspra may take several weeks to show its full effects, as it works to reduce heart failure symptoms.
Inspra can be taken with or without food.
No, Inspra is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Inspra suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen your condition.
Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor, as it may affect your treatment.
Weight gain is not commonly reported as a side effect of Inspra.
Elderly patients should use Inspra with caution, as they may be more sensitive to its effects.
If you miss a dose, skip it if it's less than 12 hours until your next dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.