Product Information
Ethacrynic Acid (Edecrin) is a diuretic (water or fluid pill). Diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) is a loop diuretic; "loop" refers to the part of the kidney where ethacrynic acid works. Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) is given as a diuretic in conditions that make the body retain water and produce swelling (edema), like heart failure, liver or kidney problems. Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) is not a cure. Generic Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) tablets are not yet available. Tell your health care professional if you have any of these conditions:diabetes
diarrhea
gout
hearing problems
heart disease, or previous heart attack
kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine
liver disease
low blood levels of calcium, potassium, chloride, sodium or magnesium
pancreatitis
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
an unusual or allergic reaction to ethacrynic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
Take Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) tablets with a drink of water. If Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) upsets your stomach, take Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) with food or milk. Take your Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) doses at regular intervals. Do not take Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) more often than directed. Remember that you will need to pass urine frequently after taking Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid). Do not take your doses at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime. Drugs that may interact with Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) can include:
alcohol
antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
certain antibiotics given by injection
dofetilide
heart medicines such as digoxin or digitoxin
hormones such as cortisone, fludrocortisone, or hydrocortisone
medicines for high blood pressure
lithium
warfarin
water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. Side effects of Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid) that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible include:
blood in the urine
blurred vision
dry mouth
fever or chills
hearing loss, ringing in the ears
increased thirst
irregular heartbeat
muscle cramps, pain or weakness
nausea, vomiting
skin rash
stomach pain
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. You must not get dehydrated, ask your prescriber or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Do not stop taking ethacrynic acid except on your prescriber's advice. Watch your diet while you are taking ethacrynic acid. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about both potassium and sodium intake. Ethacrynic acid can make your body lose potassium and you may need an extra supply. Some foods have a high potassium content such as bananas, coconuts, dates, figs, prunes, apricots, peaches, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, and orange juice. You may get dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ethacrynic acid affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you lightheaded, dizzy and increase confusion. Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic drinks. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
