Eplerenone
About
Eplerenone is usually taken for heart failure. It helps to keep your symptoms of heart failure under control and reduce the risk of your heart getting weaker by: reducing your blood pressure controlling the amount of salt and water in your body improving your heart function It works by blocking the action of a hormone called aldosterone. Eplerenone comes as tablets and is only available on prescription. You'll usually take eplerenone once a day, but your doctor may tell you to take it every other day if you get side effects or have any problems with your kidneys. Side effects include feeling dizzy, headaches, not being able to sleep, and a cough. Taking eplerenone can raise the levels of potassium in your blood. This can cause muscle cramps and diarrhoea. You'll have regular blood tests while you're taking it. It's important to keep taking eplerenone even if you feel well. You'll still get the benefits of the medicine. If you're on or want to start a low-salt diet, talk to your doctor. Some salt substitutes may increase your potassium levels. Page last reviewed: 2 February 2024 Next review due: 2 February 2027
Key facts
You'll usually take eplerenone once a day, but your doctor may tell you to take it every other day if you get side effects or have any problems with your kidneys.
Side effects include feeling dizzy, headaches, not being able to sleep, and a cough.
Taking eplerenone can raise the levels of potassium in your blood. This can cause muscle cramps and diarrhoea. You'll have regular blood tests while you're taking it.
It's important to keep taking eplerenone even if you feel well. You'll still get the benefits of the medicine.
If you're on or want to start a low-salt diet, talk to your doctor. Some salt substitutes may increase your potassium levels.