Spironolactone vs. Eplerenone for Heart Failure and Hypertension: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Spironolactone

(Aldactone)

Eplerenone

(Inspra)

Summary for Spironolactone

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).

Indications for Spironolactone

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

Pros and Cons for Spironolactone

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

Common Side Effects for Spironolactone

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

Warnings for Spironolactone

High blood potassium levels
Low blood pressure and kidney problems
Abnormal electrolyte levels
Breast pain or swelling

Summary for Eplerenone

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 for Eplerenone

Heart failure after a heart attack
High blood pressure

Pros and Cons for Eplerenone

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 for Eplerenone

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 for Eplerenone

High potassium (hyperkalemia)

Prices with our coupons for Spironolactone vs. Eplerenone

Spironolactone30 tablets / 25mg

$9.60-

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Eplerenone30 tablets / 25mg

$23.16$91.02

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Spironolactone vs. Eplerenone

Spironolactone

Eplerenone

Summary for Spironolactone

Indications for Spironolactone

Pros and Cons for Spironolactone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Spironolactone

Warnings for Spironolactone

Summary for Eplerenone

Indications for Eplerenone

Pros and Cons for Eplerenone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Eplerenone

Warnings for Eplerenone

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Spironolactone

Eplerenone

Summary for Spironolactone

Indications for Spironolactone

Pros and Cons for Spironolactone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Spironolactone

Warnings for Spironolactone

Summary for Eplerenone

Indications for Eplerenone

Pros and Cons for Eplerenone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Eplerenone

Warnings for Eplerenone