What is Inspra used for?  

Inspra is used to:

• treat high blood pressure.  It can be used either alone or with other medicines for high blood pressure.

• help patients who have congestive heart failure after having a heart attack.

Who should not take Inspra?

You should not take Inspra if you have any of the following conditions: 

• high potassium level 
• type 2 diabetes with protein in the urine (microalbuminuria) 
• kidney disease 

You should not take Inspra if you take the following medicines: 

• potassium supplements or medicines called potassium sparing diuretics ("water pills") such as amiloride, spironolactone, or triamterene 
• ketoconazole 
• itraconazole 

General Precautions with Inspra:

Inspra can increase potassium levels in the body.  High potassium levels can cause irregular and dangerous heartbeats, and sometimes death.  Your doctor may do regular blood tests to check your potassium levels if you are at risk for getting a high potassium level. 

What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines that you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.  Some medicines may affect how Inspra works or Inspra may affect how your other medicines work.  Some medicines may increase your chances of getting a high potassium level if you take them with Inspra.  Do not take other medicines while you are taking Inspra unless your health care provider has told you it is okay. 

Tell your health care provider if you are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of Inspra? (This is not a complete list of side effects reported with Inspra. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)  

The most common side effects with Inspra include headache and dizziness. 

For more detailed information about Inspra, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.

Posted: 1/9/03

Updated: 5/26/04