What is Ethacrynic Acid?
Ethacrynic acid is a loop diuretic that stops your body from taking in too much sodium and allows the excess to be excreted instead.Ethacrynic acid is used in the treatment of fluid retention, also known as edema, among people who have congestive cardiac failure, liver diseases, and kidney disorders such as nephrotic syndrome.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of ethacrynic.
Side effects of Ethacrynic Acid
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Ethacrynic acid can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Weight loss;
- Severe diarrhea or watery diarrhea
- Hearing problems: feeling fullness in the ear
- Severe weakness, cramping, numbness, or tingling.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Chest pains, numbness, or weakness;
- Low potassium, leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst, numbness, tingling or limb feeling, or
- Low sodium: headache; confusion; slurred words; extreme weakness; nausea; loss of coordination.
Some of the common side effects associated with ethacrynic acids include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or any other stomach discomfort.
- Trouble swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Blurred vision
- Fever; chills
- Headache and fatigue
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Call the FDA immediately if experiencing adverse side effects by calling them at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
If you can't urinate or have had watery diarrhea recently, you shouldn't use ethacrynic.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to ethacrynic or
- You are not able to urinate.
- You have had a recent bout of severe diarrhea.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that ethacrynic is right for you:
- Cirrhosis, or any other liver disease;
- Heart Disease
- An electrolyte balance (such as a low level of magnesium or potassium in the blood);
- Kidney disease
- If you're on a diet low in salt,
Ethacrynic acid is unlikely to harm an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor.We do not know if ethacrynic acids pass into the breast milk or if they could cause harm to a baby who is nursing. This medicine should not be taken while breastfeeding.Anyone younger than the age of 18 is prohibited from using ethacrynic acids.
How to take Ethacrynic Acid?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor will occasionally adjust your dosage to ensure you achieve the best possible results. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the prescribed dose and do not use it for longer than instructed.If your doctor has not instructed you to do so, take this medication after eating a meal.Ethacrynic acid can cause you to urinate frequently and dehydrate easily. You should follow your doctor's advice about potassium supplements and getting enough potassium or salt in your diet.You may require frequent weight and blood checks while using ethacrynic acids.Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the missed dose.If your next dose is approaching quickly, take note and skip any missed dosage. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.The symptoms of an overdose may include dryness of mouth, thirst, mood change, confusion, ringing of the ears, nausea, pain in muscles, or weakness.
What should be avoided?
Dehydration is a serious problem. You should follow your doctor's advice about how much liquid you can drink and what type.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
- Digoxin, digitalis;
- Lithium;
- Blood pressure medication
an antibiotic, including those administered through iv; - A blood thinner: warfarin coumadin jantoven
- Aspirin (nonsteroidal analgesic drugs), ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs), diclofenac (nonsteroidal antibiotics), indomethacin (nonsteroidal antibiotics), meloxicam (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications), and others
- Steroid medicine—prednisone, dexamethasone, and others.
The list below is not exhaustive. This list is not complete. This medication guide does not list all interactions.
