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.
