Ethacrynic acid

Ethacrynic acid

Ethacrynic acid

What is Ethacrynic Acid?

Ethacrynic acid is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disease such as nephrotic syndrome.

Ethacrynic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ethacrynic acid?

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Ethacrynic acid can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• weight loss;

• severe or watery diarrhea;

• Hearing problems, feeling of fullness in the ear;

• severe weakness, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling;

• a light-headed feeling, as if you were going to faint;

• Sudden numbness or weakness, problems with speech or balance, chest pain, coughing up blood;

• low potassium - leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeat, fluttering in the chest, increased thirst or need to urinate, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or feeling weak; or

• Sodium deficiency – headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, unsteadiness.

Common side effects of ethacrynic acid may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or other stomach problems;

• difficulty swallowing;

• loss of appetite;

• blurred vision;

• fever, chills; or

• Headache, tiredness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use ethacrynic acid if you are unable to urinate or if you have recently had severe watery diarrhea.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use ethacrynic acid if you are allergic to it or if:

• you cannot urinate; or

• You recently had severe watery diarrhea.

To make sure ethacrynic acid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• cirrhosis or other liver disease;

• heart disease;

• an electrolyte imbalance (e.g. low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);

• kidney disease;

• Gout; or

• if you follow a low-salt diet.

Ethacrynic acid is not expected to be harmful to an unborn child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using ethacrynic acid.

It is not known whether ethacrynic acid passes into breast milk or whether it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Ethacrynic acid is not approved for use by people under 18 years of age.

How should I take ethacrynic acid?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medicine by mouth after a meal unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Ethacrynic acid causes you to urinate more often and become easily dehydrated. Follow your doctor's instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet.

Frequent blood tests and weight checks may be necessary while using ethacrynic acid.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of overdose may include dry mouth, increased thirst, mood changes, confusion, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, vomiting, muscle pain or weakness, lack of energy, fast heartbeat, and little or no urination.

What should I avoid when taking ethacrynic acid?

Avoid dehydration. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of fluids you should drink while taking ethacrynic acid.

What other drugs will affect ethacrynic acid?

Tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking and any medications you are taking or stopping, especially:

• digoxin, digitalis;

• Lithium;

• blood pressure medications;

• an antibiotic (including those given intravenously);

• a blood thinner – warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam and others; or

• Steroid medications – Prednisone, Dexamethasone and others.

This list is not complete. Other medications can interact with ethacrynic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.