Eplerenone: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Hyperkalemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypertension: In clinical studies, adverse reactions with eplerenone were uncommon. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc. at 1-800-367-3395 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Hypertension Eplerenone has been evaluated for safety in 3091 patients treated for hypertension. A total of 690 patients were treated for over 6 months and 106 patients were treated for over 1 year. In placebo-controlled studies, the overall rates of adverse events were 47% with Eplerenone Tablets and 45% with placebo. Adverse events occurred at a similar rate regardless of age, gender, or race. Therapy was discontinued due to an adverse event in 3% of patients treated with Eplerenone Tablets and 3% of patients given placebo. The most common reasons for discontinuation of Eplerenone Tablets were headache, dizziness, angina pectoris/MI, and increased GGT. Gynecomastia and abnormal vaginal bleeding were…

For all patients: Serum potassium >5.5 mEq/L at initiation ( 4 ) Creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/min ( 4 ) Concomitant use with strong CYP3A inhibitors ( 4 , 7.1 ) For the treatment of hypertension: Type 2 diabetes with microalbuminuria ( 4 ) Serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dL in males, >1.8 mg/dL in females ( 4 ) Creatinine clearance <50 mL/min ( 4 ) Concomitant use of potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics ( 4 ) For All Patients Eplerenone Tablets are contraindicated in all patients with: serum potassium >5.5 mEq/L at initiation, creatinine clearance ≤30 mL/min, or concomitant administration of strong CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, and nelfinavir) [see Drug Interactions (7.1) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. For Patients Treated for Hypertension Eplerenone Tablets are contraindicated for the treatment of hypertension in patients with: type 2 diabetes with microalbuminuria, serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dL in males or >1.8 mg/dL in females, creatinine clearance <50 mL/min, or concomitant administration of potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., amiloride, spironolactone, or triamterene) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , Adverse Reactions (6.2) , Drug Interactions (7) , and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

CYP3A Inhibitors: In patients with hypertension initiate at 25 mg once daily. For inadequate blood pressure response, dosing may be increased to a maximum of 25 mg twice daily. ( 2.4 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) 7.1 CYP3A Inhibitors Eplerenone metabolism is predominantly mediated via CYP3A. Do not use eplerenone with drugs that are strong inhibitors of CYP3A [see Contraindications (4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. In patients with hypertension taking a moderate CYP3A inhibitor, initiate at 25 mg once daily. For inadequate blood pressure response, dosing may be increased to a maximum of 25 mg twice daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.3 , 2.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 7.2 Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists The risk of hyperkalemia increase when eplerenone is used in combination with an ARB. A close monitoring of serum potassium and renal function is recommended, especially in patients at risk for impaired renal function, e.g., the elderly [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. 7.3 Lithium A drug interaction study of eplerenone with lithium has not been conducted. Lithium toxicity has been reported in patients receiving lithium concomitantly with diuretics. Serum lithium levels should be monitored frequently if Eplerenone Tablets are administered concomitantly with lithium. 7.4 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) A drug interaction study of eplerenone with an NSAID has not been conducted. The administration of other potassium-sparing antihypertensives with NSAIDs has been shown to reduce the antihypertensive effect in some patients and result in severe hyperkalemia in patients with impaired renal function. Therefore, when eplerenone and NSAIDs are used concomitantly, monitor blood pressure and serum potassium levels.