Key takeaways
Furosemide (Lasix) and eplerenone (Inspra) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different medication classes. Furosemide is a loop diuretic, which helps your body get rid of extra water and electrolytes, while eplerenone is an aldosterone receptor antagonist that blocks a hormone to lower blood pressure. Furosemide is also used to treat swelling (edema) due to heart, liver, or kidney problems, whereas eplerenone is used to improve survival in people with heart failure after a heart attack. Furosemide is available as a tablet or oral solution and is typically taken once or twice daily, while eplerenone is taken as a tablet once or twice daily. Both medications are available in generic forms. Common side effects of furosemide include increased urination and dizziness, while eplerenone can cause digestive issues and high potassium levels. Furosemide may interact with medications like corticosteroids, while eplerenone can interact with ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs, increasing the risk of high potassium levels.
