DRUG RECORD
EPLERENONE
OVERVIEW
Eplerenone
Eplerenone
Introduction
Eplerenone is an aldosterone receptor antagonist and potassium-sparing diuretic used in the therapy of hypertension. Eplerenone therapy has been associated with transient elevations in serum aminotransferase levels, but has yet to be linked to cases of clinically apparent drug-induced liver disease.
Background
Eplerenone is a competitive antagonist of aldosterone at the mineralocorticoid receptor. The aldosterone receptor in the late distal tubules and collecting ducts of the kidneys induces sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the distal tubule. Inhibition of this receptor promotes a sodium diuresis but maintains body potassium levels. Eplerenone has a higher affinity for the aldosterone receptor than spironolactone and is claimed to have fewer anti-androgenic effects (gynecomastia, hair loss). However, the two molecules are structurally quite similar. Eplerenone was approved for use in the United States in 2002 for treatment of hypertension and later for improving survival of stable patients with heart failure after myocardial infarction. Eplerenone is available in 25, 50 and 100 mg tablets under the brand name of Inspra. The typical dose of eplerenone is 25 or 50 mg once daily initially with modification of the dose based upon blood pressure response and tolerance, maintenance doses ranging from 25 to 100 mg daily in one or two divided doses. Eplerenone is well tolerated and the most common side effects are hyperkalemia and increases in serum creatinine.
Hepatotoxicity
Eplerenone therapy has been associated with a low rate of serum aminotransferase elevations which are typically mild and transient. Idiosyncratic, clinically apparent liver injury from eplerenone has yet to be reported. The similarity in structure to spironolactone suggests that it may share susceptibility to the acute liver injury reported rarely with that agent.
Mechanism of Injury
Eplerenone is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 system (CYP 3A4) and hepatic reactions may be generated by intermediates in its metabolism.
Outcome and Management
The mild serum aminotransferase elevations that have been reported with eplerenone resolved rapidly on discontinuation and in some instances resolved even with drug continuation. While yet unproven, cross-reactivity to the liver injury that can occur with spironolactone should be assumed.
[References are provided in the overview on Diuretics.]
Drug Class:Diuretics:Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Other drugs within this class:
Top of page
REPRESENTATIVE TRADE NAMES
Generic, Inspra®
Generic, Inspra®
DRUG CLASS
Diuretics
Diuretics
COMPLETE LABELING
FDA product labeling at DailyMed, National Library of Medicine, NIH
CHEMICAL FORMULA AND STRUCTURE
Eplerenone
Eplerenone
| DRUG | CAS REGISTRY NUMBER | MOLECULAR FORMULA | STRUCTURE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eplerenone | 107724-20-9 | C24-H30-O6 |  |
Top of page
top of page
Recent References on Eplerenone
Trials on Eplerenone
TOXLINE Citations on Eplerenone