Eplerenone (INN) is a steroidal antimineralocorticoid of the spirolactone group that is used as an adjunct in the management of chronic heart failure. It is similar to the diuretic spironolactone, though it is much more selective for the mineralocorticoid receptor in comparison (i.e., does not possess any antiandrogen, progestogen, glucocorticoid, or estrogenic effects), and is specifically marketed for reducing cardiovascular risk in patients following myocardial infarction. By modifying the alternative drug Spironolactone, the new drug was developed in part to avoid undesired androgenic side effects in male patients. Eplerenone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, meaning that it helps the body get rid of water but still keep potassium.
Eplerenone was developed by Pharmacia Corporation, which was acquired by Pfizer in 2002. It was marketed by Pfizer under the trade name Inspra. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug for sale in the United States in 2002. Eplerenone is currently approved for sale in the US, EU, Netherlands and Japan. Relative to dosage, eplerenone costs an estimated $2.93 per day when treating congestive heart failure and $5.86 per day when treating hypertension.