Eplerenone

Last updated
Eplerenone
Eplerenone.svg
Clinical data
Pronunciation /ɛpˈlɛrənn/
Trade names Inspra, Epnone, Dosterep
Other namesSC-66110; CGP-30083; 9-11α-Epoxymexrenone; 9,11α-Epoxy-7α-methoxycarbonyl-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactone
AHFS/Drugs.com Monograph
MedlinePlus a603004
Pregnancy
category
  • AU:B3
Routes of
administration
By mouth (tablets)
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability ~70% [2]
Protein binding ~50% (33–60%) (primarily to α1-acid glycoprotein) [2] [3]
Metabolism Liver (CYP3A4) [2] [3]
Metabolites 6β-OH-EPL, 6β,21-OH-EPL, 21-OH-EPL, 3α,6β-OH-EPL [2] (All inactive) [2]
Elimination half-life 4–6 hours [4]
Excretion Urine (67%), feces (32%) [5]
Identifiers
  • methyl (4aS,4bR,5aR,6aS,7R,9aS,9bR,10R)-4a,6a-dimethyl-2,5'-dioxo-2,4,4',4a,5',5a,6,6a,8,9,9a,9b,10,11-tetradecahydro-3H,3'H-spiro[cyclopenta[7,8]phenanthro[4b,5-b]oxirene-7,2'-furan]-10-carboxylate
CAS Number
PubChem CID
IUPHAR/BPS
DrugBank
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEBI
ChEMBL
PDB ligand
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard 100.106.615 OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Chemical and physical data
Formula C24H30O6
Molar mass 414.498 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
  • COC(=O)[C@@H]4C\C1=C\C(=O)CC[C@]1(C)[C@@]65O[C@@H]6C[C@@]3(C)[C@@H](CC[C@]23CCC(=O)O2)[C@H]45
  • InChI=1S/C24H30O6/c1-21-7-4-14(25)10-13(21)11-15(20(27)28-3)19-16-5-8-23(9-6-18(26)30-23)22(16,2)12-17-24(19,21)29-17/h10,15-17,19H,4-9,11-12H2,1-3H3/t15-,16+,17-,19+,21+,22+,23-,24-/m1/s1 Yes check.svgY
  • Key:JUKPWJGBANNWMW-VWBFHTRKSA-N Yes check.svgY
   (verify)

Eplerenone, sold under the brand name Inspra, is an aldosterone antagonist type of potassium-sparing diuretic that is used to treat chronic heart failure and high blood pressure, particularly for patients with resistant hypertension due to elevated aldosterone. It is a steroidal antimineralocorticoid of the spirolactone group and a selective aldosterone receptor antagonist (SARA). [6] Eplerenone is more selective than spironolactone at the mineralocorticoid receptor relative to binding at androgen, progestogen, glucocorticoid, or estrogen receptors.

Contents

Medical uses

Heart failure

Eplerenone reduces risk of death in patients with heart failure, [7] particularly in patients with recent myocardial infarction (heart attack). [8]

Hypertension

Eplerenone lowers blood pressure in patients with primary hypertension. [9] Eplerenone also reduces arterial stiffness and vascular endothelial dysfunction. [10]

For persons with resistant hypertension, eplerenone is safe and effective for reducing blood pressure, [11] particularly in persons with resistant hypertension due to hyperaldosteronism. [12] [13]

Central serous chorioretinopathy

Eplerenone is often prescribed for people with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). However, the most recent and largest randomized controlled trial showed that eplerenone has no significant effect on chronic CSC that has been untreated for four months. [14] [15]

Adverse effects

Common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with the use of eplerenone include: hyperkalaemia, hypotension, dizziness, and reduced renal clearance. [16] Eplerenone may have a lower incidence than spironolactone of sexual side effects such as feminization, gynecomastia, impotence, low sex drive and reduction of size of male genitalia. [17] This is because other antimineralocorticoids have structural elements of the progesterone molecule, causing progestogenic and antiandrogenic outcomes. [4] When considering taking these medicines, it is important to note the variations in their ability to offset the nongenomic effects of aldosterone. [4]

Currently, there is not enough evidence available from the randomized controlled trials on side effects of eplerenone to do a benefit versus risk assessment in people with primary hypertension. [18]

Interactions

Eplerenone is primarily metabolized 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 hyperkalemia associated with eplerenone therapy, including salt substitutes, [19] potassium supplements and other potassium-sparing diuretics.

Pharmacology

Eplerenone is an antimineralocorticoid, or an antagonist of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). [20] Eplerenone is also known chemically as 9,11α-epoxy-7α-methoxycarbonyl-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4-ene-21,17-carbolactone and "was derived from spironolactone by the introduction of a 9α,11α-epoxy bridge and by substitution of the 17α-thoacetyl group of spironolactone with a carbomethoxy group." [21] The drug controls high blood pressure by blocking the binding of aldosterone to the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in epithelial tissues, such as the kidney. [4] Blocking the action of aldosterone decreases blood volume and lowers blood pressure. [22] It has 10- to 20-fold lower affinity for the MR relative to spironolactone, [20] and is less potent in vivo as an antimineralocorticoid. [4] However, in contrast to spironolactone, eplerenone has little affinity for the androgen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors. [20] [4] It also has more consistently observed non-genomic antimineralocorticoid effects relative to spironolactone (see membrane mineralocorticoid receptor). [4] Eplerenone differs from spironolactone in its extensive metabolism, with a short half-life and inactive metabolites. [4]

Eplerenone seems to be about 50 to 75% as potent as spironolactone as an antimineralocorticoid. [23] Hence, 25 mg/day spironolactone may be equivalent to approximately 50 mg/day eplerenone. [24]

Regulatory and Patent History

Eplerenone was patented in 1983 and approved for medical use in the United States in 2002. [25] [22] Eplerenone is currently approved for sale in Canada, the US, EU, Netherlands and Japan. [22] Eplerenone costs an estimated $2.93 per day when treating congestive heart failure and $5.86 per day when treating hypertension. [17]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Primary aldosteronism</span> Medical condition

Primary aldosteronism (PA), also known as primary hyperaldosteronism, refers to the excess production of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal glands, resulting in low renin levels and high blood pressure. This abnormality is caused by hyperplasia or tumors. About 35% of the cases are caused by a single aldosterone-secreting adenoma, a condition known as Conn's syndrome.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mineralocorticoid</span> Group of corticosteroids

Mineralocorticoids are a class of corticosteroids, which in turn are a class of steroid hormones. Mineralocorticoids are produced in the adrenal cortex and influence salt and water balances. The primary mineralocorticoid is aldosterone.

Antihypertensives are a class of drugs that are used to treat hypertension. Antihypertensive therapy seeks to prevent the complications of high blood pressure, such as stroke, heart failure, kidney failure and myocardial infarction. Evidence suggests that reduction of the blood pressure by 5 mmHg can decrease the risk of stroke by 34% and of ischaemic heart disease by 21%, and can reduce the likelihood of dementia, heart failure, and mortality from cardiovascular disease. There are many classes of antihypertensives, which lower blood pressure by different means. Among the most important and most widely used medications are thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs), and beta blockers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spironolactone</span> Steroidal antiandrogen and antimineralocorticoid

Spironolactone, sold under the brand name Aldactone among others, is a medication that is primarily used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease. It is also used in the treatment of high blood pressure, low blood potassium that does not improve with supplementation, early puberty in boys, acne and excessive hair growth in women, and as a part of feminizing hormone therapy in trans women. Spironolactone is taken by mouth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Potassium-sparing diuretic</span> Drugs that cause diuresis without causing potassium loss in the urine and leading to hyperkalemia

Potassium-sparing diuretics refers to drugs that cause diuresis without causing potassium loss in the urine. They are typically used as an adjunct in management of hypertension, cirrhosis, and congestive heart failure. The steroidal aldosterone antagonists can also be used for treatment of primary hyperaldosteronism. Spironolactone, a steroidal aldosterone antagonist, is also used in management of female hirsutism and acne from PCOS or other causes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drospirenone</span> Medication drug

Drospirenone is a progestin and antiandrogen medication which is used in birth control pills to prevent pregnancy and in menopausal hormone therapy, among other uses. It is available both alone under the brand name Slynd and in combination with an estrogen under the brand name Yasmin among others. The medication is an analog of the drug spironolactone. Drospirenone is taken by mouth.

Secondary hypertension is a type of hypertension which by definition is caused by an identifiable underlying primary cause. It is much less common than the other type, called essential hypertension, affecting only 5-10% of hypertensive patients. It has many different causes including endocrine diseases, kidney diseases, and tumors. It also can be a side effect of many medications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist</span> Drug class

A mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist or aldosterone antagonist, is a diuretic drug which antagonizes the action of aldosterone at mineralocorticoid receptors. This group of drugs is often used as adjunctive therapy, in combination with other drugs, for the management of chronic heart failure. Spironolactone, the first member of the class, is also used in the management of hyperaldosteronism and female hirsutism. Most antimineralocorticoids, including spironolactone, are steroidal spirolactones. Finerenone is a nonsteroidal antimineralocorticoid.

Pseudohyperaldosteronism is a medical condition which mimics the effects of elevated aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism) by presenting with high blood pressure (hypertension), low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia), metabolic alkalosis, and low levels of plasma renin activity (PRA). However, unlike hyperaldosteronism, this conditions exhibits low or normal levels of aldosterone in the blood. Causes include genetic disorders, acquired conditions, metabolic disorders, and dietary imbalances including excessive consumption of licorice. Confirmatory diagnosis depends on the specific root cause and may involve blood tests, urine tests, or genetic testing; however, all forms of this condition exhibit abnormally low concentrations of both plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) which differentiates this group of conditions from other forms of secondary hypertension. Treatment is tailored to the specific cause and focuses on symptom control, blood pressure management, and avoidance of triggers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mineralocorticoid receptor</span> Nuclear receptor that mediates the effects of the mineralocorticoid hormone Aldosterone

The mineralocorticoid receptor, also known as the aldosterone receptor or nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 2, (NR3C2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NR3C2 gene that is located on chromosome 4q31.1-31.2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canrenone</span> Chemical compound

Canrenone, sold under the brand names Contaren, Luvion, Phanurane, and Spiroletan, is a steroidal antimineralocorticoid of the spirolactone group related to spironolactone which is used as a diuretic in Europe, including in Italy and Belgium. It is also an important active metabolite of spironolactone, and partially accounts for its therapeutic effects.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spirolactone</span>

Spirolactones are a class of functional group in organic chemistry featuring a cyclic ester attached spiro to another ring system. The name is also used to refer to a class of synthetic steroids, called steroid-17α-spirolactones, 17α-spirolactosteroids, or simply 17α-spirolactones, which feature their spirolactone group at the C17α position. They are antimineralocorticoids, or antagonists of the mineralocorticoid receptor, and have been employed clinically as potassium-sparing diuretics. Some also possess progestogenic and/or antiandrogen properties, which have both contributed to side effects and been utilized for medical indications. The spirolactones were developed by G. D. Searle & Company in the 1950s and thereafter and were denoted as "SC" compounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mexrenone</span> Chemical compound

Mexrenone is a steroidal antimineralocorticoid of the spirolactone group related to spironolactone that was never marketed. It is the lactonic form of mexrenoic acid (mexrenoate), and mexrenoate potassium (SC-26714), the potassium salt of mexrenoic acid, also exists. In addition to the mineralocorticoid receptor, mexrenone also binds to the glucocorticoid, androgen, and progesterone receptors. Relative to spironolactone, it has markedly reduced antiandrogen activity. Eplerenone is the 9-11α-epoxy analogue of mexrenone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finerenone</span> Chemical compound

Finerenone, sold under the brand name Kerendia, is a medication used to reduce the risk of kidney function decline, kidney failure, cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attacks, and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes. Finerenone is a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). It is taken orally.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SC-5233</span> Chemical compound

SC-5233, also known as 6,7-dihydrocanrenone or 20-spirox-4-ene-3,20-dione, is a synthetic, steroidal antimineralocorticoid of the spirolactone group which was developed by G. D. Searle & Company in the 1950s but was never marketed. It was the first synthetic antagonist of the mineralocorticoid receptor to have been identified and tested in humans. The drug was found to lack appreciable oral bioavailability and to be of low potency when administered parenterally, but it nonetheless produced a mild diuretic effect in patients with congestive heart failure. SC-8109, the 19-nor (19-demethyl) analogue, was developed and found to have improved oral bioavailability and potency, but still had low potency. Spironolactone followed and had both good oral bioavailability and potency, and was the first synthetic antimineralocorticoid to be marketed. It has about 46-fold higher oral potency than SC-5233.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mespirenone</span> Chemical compound

Mespirenone (INN), also known as Δ1-15β,16β-methylenespironolactone, is a steroidal antimineralocorticoid of the spirolactone group related to spironolactone that was never marketed. Animal research found that it was 3.3-fold more potent as an antimineralocorticoid relative to spironolactone. In addition to its antimineralocorticoid properties, mespirenone is also a progestogen, antigonadotropin, and antiandrogen. It is 2- to 3-fold as potent as spironolactone as a progestogen and antigonadotropin but its antiandrogenic activity is markedly reduced and weak in comparison. Mespirenone is also a potent and specific enzyme inhibitor of 18-hydroxylase and thus of mineralocorticoid biosynthesis. The drug was under development by Schering and reached phase II clinical trials but was discontinued in 1989.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Esaxerenone</span> Chemical compound

Esaxerenone is a nonsteroidal antimineralocorticoid which was discovered by Exelixis and developed by Daiichi Sankyo Company and is approved in Japan for the treatment of hypertension. It acts as a highly selective silent antagonist of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), the receptor for aldosterone, with greater than 1,000-fold selectivity for this receptor over other steroid hormone receptors, and 4-fold and 76-fold higher affinity for the MR relative to the existing antimineralocorticoids spironolactone and eplerenone. As of January 2019, esaxerenone is in phase III clinical trials for diabetic nephropathies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">7α-Thiomethylspironolactone</span> Chemical compound

<span class="mw-page-title-main">6β-Hydroxy-7α-thiomethylspironolactone</span> Chemical compound

6β-Hydroxy-7α-thiomethylspironolactone (6β-OH-7α-TMS) is a steroidal antimineralocorticoid of the spirolactone group and a major active metabolite of spironolactone. Other important metabolites of spironolactone include 7α-thiospironolactone, 7α-thiomethylspironolactone, and canrenone (SC-9376).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pharmacodynamics of spironolactone</span> Mechanisms of action

The pharmacodynamics of spironolactone, an antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogen medication, concern its mechanisms of action, including its biological targets and activities, as well as its physiological effects. The pharmacodynamics of spironolactone are characterized by high antimineralocorticoid activity, moderate antiandrogenic activity, and weak steroidogenesis inhibition. In addition, spironolactone has sometimes been found to increase estradiol and cortisol levels and hence could have slight indirect estrogenic and glucocorticoid effects. The medication has also been found to interact very weakly with the estrogen and progesterone receptors, and to act as an agonist of the pregnane X receptor. Likely due to increased activation of the estrogen and/or progesterone receptors, spironolactone has very weak but significant antigonadotropic effects.

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