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Compare Aldactone vs. Eplerenone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Spironolactone (Aldactone) and eplerenone (Inspra) are both medications used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure, but they have some key differences. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that also blocks aldosterone, helping your body remove extra water and sodium without losing potassium. It can cause side effects like breast tenderness and lower sex drive. Eplerenone, on the other hand, is an aldosterone receptor antagonist that is less likely to cause hormone-related side effects like gynecomastia. However, Eplerenone interacts with more medications. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor potassium levels, but Eplerenone is often preferred if you can't tolerate the side effects of Spironolactone. Eplerenone is available as a generic, while Spironolactone is available in both generic and brand forms.

  • Spironolactone (Aldactone)
    Eplerenone (Inspra)
  • Spironolactone (Aldactone)
    Eplerenone (Inspra)

  • Summary of Aldactone vs. Eplerenone

    Summary for Potassium sparing diuretic
    Prescription only

    Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a type of potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill). It's used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and swelling from kidney or liver problems in adults. Because it blocks aldosterone (a hormone that affects sodium and potassium levels), spironolactone (Aldactone) can also treat conditions where there's too much aldosterone. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is taken by mouth, generally once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Some common side effects of this medication include breast tenderness (males and females) and loss of libido (in males).

    Summary for Aldosterone receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Eplerenone (Inspra) is a medication that’s used to treat high blood pressure and improve survival among people with heart failure after a heart attack. It comes as an oral tablet that can be taken alone or in combination with other medications. Look out for side effects including dizziness, nausea, cough, and shortness of breath. Eplerenone (Inspra) is available as a generic tablet and also under the brand name Inspra.

  • Indications of Aldactone vs. Eplerenone

    Indications for
    •Heart failure
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling due to liver damage (cirrhosis)
    •Swelling due to nephrotic syndrome (a rare kidney condition) - tablets only
    •Primary aldosteronism (a hormone imbalance) - tablets only
    Indications for
    •Heart failure after a heart attack
    •High blood pressure

  • Pros and Cons of Aldactone vs. Eplerenone

    Pros and Const for Potassium sparing diuretic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Oral suspension available for adults who've difficulty swallowing tablets
    •Lower-cost generics available
    Cons
    •Can make you urinate more often
    •Need to get blood tests regularly to check your electrolytes and kidney health
    •Can cause breast growth and lower sex drive in males
    Pros and Const for Aldosterone receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •Improves survival for people with heart failure after a heart attack
    •Fewer side effects than spironolactone
    •Typically once daily dosing
    Cons
    •Have to get regular blood tests while taking the medication to check for high potassium levels
    •Not safe to use with severe kidney problems
    •Isn’t a first-choice medication for high blood pressure or heart failure

  • Common Side Effects of Aldactone vs. Eplerenone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach cramps
    •Enlargement of male breasts
    •Breast pain
    •Lower sex drive
    •Sexual dysfunction
    •Irregular or lack of menstrual periods
    •Leg cramps
    •Higher potassium levels
    •Lower sodium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Digestive system problems (20%)
    •Nervous system problems (15%)
    •Urinary tract problems (14%)
    •Shortness of breath (7%)
    •Skin problems (7%)
    •Mental health problems (7%)
    •Cough (5%)

  • Warnings of Aldactone vs. Eplerenone

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood potassium levels
    •Low blood pressure and kidney problems
    •Abnormal electrolyte levels
    •Breast pain or swelling
    Common Side Effects for
    •High potassium (hyperkalemia)

  • Prices with our coupons for Aldactone vs. Eplerenone

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    Learn more about Eplerenone

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