1. Is eplerenone a diuretic?
Yes, eplerenone is a diuretic. Diuretics are a class of drugs that lowers the excess water and salt in the body by causing excess urination. It is a potassium-sparing type of diuretic and aldosterone receptor blocker.
2. Does eplerenone cause hair loss?
There is no clear evidence that eplerenone can cause hair loss as a side effect. On the other hand, a study concluded that aldosterone receptor blockers like eplerenone have shown encouraging results as a hair follicle stimulant.
3. Does eplerenone increase cholesterol levels?
There is no scientific data that clearly states that eplerenone increases cholesterol. Eplerenone treats conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure, where high cholesterol can be the cause. Inform your doctor if you previously had high cholesterol before taking this drug.
4. Is eplerenone nephrotoxic?
No, eplerenone does not directly cause any harm to the kidneys. It is even recommended to patients who have previous conditions like kidney failure, kidney transplant, etc. However, follow your doctor's advice if you have been using eplerenone for a long time and educate yourself about its side effects.
5. Why does eplerenone not cause gynecomastia?
Spironolactone, another aldosterone blocker similar to eplerenone, causes gynecomastia (enlarged sore breasts in males). It happens because testosterone is blocked, which is a male sex hormone. It leads to estrogen acting on the breast tissue in males. But, eplerenone does not block testosterone, therefore does not cause gynecomastia.
6. What type of diuretic is eplerenone?
There are five types of diuretics. One of those five is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It has two categories: aldosterone blockers and sodium channel blockers. Eplerenone is an aldosterone blocker.
7. Can you just stop taking eplerenone?
Suddenly stopping eplerenone can cause an abrupt rise in blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, etc. If you want to stop using eplerenone, consult your doctor first before discontinuing the drug.
8. Does eplerenone affect heart rate?
Eplerenone does not affect heart rate. It is protective of the heart. It reduces blood pressure and makes it easy for the heart to pump blood. It also reduces the risk of death in heart failure patients.
9. Does eplerenone cause kidney problems?
No, there is no scientific evidence that connects eplerenone to kidney problems. But if you are already suffering from any kidney condition, inform your doctor before taking this medication. If the kidney function is affected, a doctor might change the dose or prescribe a new medication.
10. Does eplerenone make you urinate?
Eplerenone is a diuretic. Its purpose is to remove excess water and salt. It does that by increasing the amount of urine.
11. Does eplerenone cause erectile dysfunction?
There is a very low chance of eplerenone causing erectile dysfunction. It does not inhibit male sex hormones like testosterone.
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