Eplerenone

Eplerenone
Systematic (IUPAC) name
pregn-4-ene-7,21-dicarboxylic acid, 9,11-epoxy-17-hydroxy-3-oxo, γ-lactone, methyl ester (7α, 11α, 17α)
Clinical data
Trade names Inspra
AHFS/Drugs.com monograph
MedlinePlus a603004
Pregnancy cat. B3 (Aust)
Legal status Schedule 4 (Aust), Rx only (US)
Routes oral
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 69%
Metabolism hepatic (CYP3A4)
Half-life 6-8 hours
Excretion 67% renal
32% biliary
Identifiers
CAS number 107724-20-9
ATC code C03DA04
PubChem CID 5282131
DrugBank APRD00707
ChemSpider 10203511 Y
UNII 6995V82D0B Y
KEGG D01115 Y
ChEBI CHEBI:31547 Y
ChEMBL CHEMBL1095097 Y
Chemical data
Formula C24H30O6 
Mol. mass 414.49
SMILES eMolecules & PubChem
 Y(what is this?)  (verify)

Eplerenone (INN) ( /ɛpˈlɛrənn/) is an aldosterone antagonist used as an adjunct in the management of chronic heart failure. It is similar to the diuretic spironolactone, though it may be more specific for the mineralocorticoid receptor and is specifically marketed for reducing cardiovascular risk in patients following myocardial infarction. It is marketed by Pfizer under the trade name Inspra. Eplerenone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning that it helps the body get rid of water but still keep potassium.

Contents

Clinical use

Indications

Eplerenone is specifically indicated for the reduction of risk of cardiovascular death in patients with heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction within 3–14 days of an acute myocardial infarction, in combination with standard therapies and as treatment against hypertension. In the EPHESUS trial, this lowered risk by 2.4%, with a risk of death of 16.7% in the placebo arm , giving a relative risk of 0.86 , or a number of patients needed to treat (NNT : Number needed to treat) of 41 to save one life ( 100% divided by 2.4%) . [1]

Contraindications

Eplerenone is contraindicated in patients with hyperkalaemia, severe renal impairment (creatinine Cl less than 30 ml/min), or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score C). The manufacturer of eplerenone also contraindicates ( relative C.I. ) concomitant treatment with ketoconazole, itraconazole or other potassium-sparing diuretics (though the manufacturer still considers taking these drugs to be absolute C.I.) Potential benefits should be weighted against possible risks.

Adverse effects

Common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with the use of eplerenone include: hyperkalaemia, hypotension, dizziness, altered renal function, and increased creatinine concentration.[2]

Drug interactions

Eplerenone is primarily metabolised by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4. Thus the potential exists for adverse drug interactions with other drugs that induce or inhibit CYP3A4. Specifically, the concomitant use of the CYP3A4 potent inhibitors ketoconazole and itraconazole is contraindicated. Other CYP3A4 inhibitors including erythromycin, saquinavir, and verapamil should be used with caution. Other drugs that increase potassium concentrations may increase the risk of hyperkalaemia associated with eplerenone therapy, including salt substitutes,[3] potassium supplements and other potassium-sparing diuretics.

General considerations

Due to the high risk of elevated potassium levels in individuals taking eplerenone, The United States FDA suggests routine checks on the individual's potassium level to screen for hyperkalemia.

Lab Synthesis

. doi:10.1002/hlca.19970800220. 

See also

References

  1. ^ Craft, Jennifer. "Eplerenone". Eplerenone (Inspra), a new aldosterone antagonist for the treatment of systemic hypertension and heart failure (Pub MedCentral). PMC 1200656. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=1200656. 
  2. ^ Rossi S, editor. Australian Medicines Handbook 2006. Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook; 2006
  3. ^ LoSalt Advisory Statement (PDF)