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. Eplerenone is often recommended if you can't tolerate spironolactone's side effects. However, eplerenone interacts with more medications. Both medications require regular blood tests to monitor potassium levels. Both medications are available in generic forms and are taken orally, but eplerenone is typically taken once daily, while spironolactone's dosing can vary.
