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Spironolactone vs. Eplerenone

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).

• 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

• 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

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

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.

• Heart failure after a heart attack
• High blood pressure

• 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%)

• High potassium (hyperkalemia)