Pronunciation /ɛpˈlɛrənoʊn/ AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph Routes of
administration Oral (tablets) Molar mass 414.49 g/mol | Trade names Inspra MedlinePlus a603004 CAS ID 107724-20-9 | |
 | ||
Pregnancy
category AU: B3
US: B (No risk in non-human studies) | ||
Eplerenone (INN) is a steroidal antimineralocorticoid of the spirolactone group that is used as an adjunct in the management of chronic heart failure. It is similar to the diuretic spironolactone, though it is much more selective for the mineralocorticoid receptor in comparison (i.e., does not possess any antiandrogen, progestogen, glucocorticoid, or estrogenic effects), and is specifically marketed for reducing cardiovascular risk in patients following myocardial infarction. Eplerenone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning that it helps the body get rid of water but still keep potassium.
Contents
- Harmonica eplerenone and spironolactone interaction dead man down phase forensic pharmacy 16
- Heart Failure
- Hypertension
- Adverse effects
- Contraindications
- Drug interactions
- Pharmacology
- References
Eplerenone was developed by Pharmacia Corporation, which was acquired by Pfizer in 2002. It was marketed by Pfizer under the trade name Inspra. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug for sale in the United States in 2002. Eplerenone is currently approved for sale in the US, EU, Netherlands and Japan. Relative to dosage, eplerenone costs an estimated $2.93 per day when treating congestive heart failure and $5.86 per day when treating hypertension.
Harmonica eplerenone and spironolactone interaction dead man down phase forensic pharmacy 16
Heart Failure
Eplerenone is specifically indicated for the reduction of risk of cardiovascular death in people with heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction within 3–14 days of an acute myocardial infarction, in combination with standard therapies and as treatment against hypertension. A variant of the spirolactone group, Eplerenone was developed to contradict the depletion of essential potassium and magnesium levels that are common amongst other mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. It is a more expensive alternative to spironolactone.
Hypertension
Eplerenone can be used individually or in combination with other medications to treat hypertension. In an 8-week trial with 417 patients with mild to moderate hypertension, eplerenone decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. Eplerenone effectively reduces blood pressure compared to agents such as spironolactone, enalapril, losartan and amlodipine, but its effect on mortality is still generally unknown.
Adverse effects
Adverse effects of aldosterone occur in the heart and brain, due to changes in water retention and excretion of sodium and potassium. Common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with the use of eplerenone include: hyperkalaemia, hypotension, dizziness, altered renal function, and increased creatinine concentration. Eplerenone may have a lower incidence than spironolactone of sexual side effects such as feminization, gynecomastia, impotence, low sex drive and reduction of size of male genitalia. This is because other antimineralocorticoids have structural elements of the progesterone molecule, causing progestogenic and antiandrogenic outcomes. When considering taking these medicines, it is important to note the variations in their ability to offset the nongenomic effects of aldosterone.
Contraindications
Eplerenone is contraindicated in patients with hyperkalaemia, severe renal impairment (creatinine Cl less than 30 ml/min), or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score C). The manufacturer of eplerenone also contraindicates ( relative C.I. ) concomitant treatment with ketoconazole, itraconazole or other potassium-sparing diuretics (though the manufacturer still considers taking these drugs to be absolute C.I.) Potential benefits should be weighted against possible risks.
Drug interactions
Eplerenone is primarily metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4. Thus the potential exists for adverse drug interactions with other drugs that induce or inhibit CYP3A4. Specifically, the concomitant use of the CYP3A4 potent inhibitors ketoconazole and itraconazole is contraindicated. Other CYP3A4 inhibitors including erythromycin, saquinavir, and verapamil should be used with caution. Other drugs that increase potassium concentrations may increase the risk of hyperkalemia associated with eplerenone therapy, including salt substitutes, potassium supplements and other potassium-sparing diuretics.
Pharmacology
Eplerenone is an antimineralocorticoid, or an antagonist of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Eplerenone is also known chemically as 9,11α-epoxy-7α-methoxycarbonyl-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactone and "was derived from spironolactone by the introduction of a 9α,11α-epoxy bridge and by substitution of the 17α-thoacetyl group of spironolactone with a carbomethoxy group". The drug controls high blood pressure by binding the aldosterone hormone to the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in epithelial tissues, such as the kidney. This helps to increase blood volume and regulate blood pressure. It has 10- to 20-fold lower affinity for the MR relative to spironolactone, and is less potent in vivo as an antimineralocorticoid. However, in contrast to spironolactone, eplerenone has little affinity for the androgen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors. It also has more consistently observed non-genomic antimineralocorticoid effects relative to spironolactone (see membrane mineralocorticoid receptor). Eplerenone differs from spironolactone in its extensive metabolism, with a short half-life and inactive metabolites.