What is ethacrynic acid?
Ethacrynic acid is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt to instead be passed in your urine.
Ethacrynic acid is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome.Ethacrynic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important Information
You should not use ethacrynic acid if you are unable to urinate, or if you have recently had severe watery diarrhea.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use ethacrynic acid if
you are allergic to it, or if:you are unable to urinate; oryou have
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 (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your
blood);kidney disease;gout; orif you are on a low-salt diet.
Ethacrynic
acid is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. 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
if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using
this medicine.Ethacrynic acid is not approved for use by anyone younger
than 18 years old.
How should I take ethacrynic acid?
Follow all directions on your
prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to
make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger
or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take this medicine after a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.Ethacrynic acid will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor's instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet.While using ethacrynic acid, you may need frequent blood tests and weight checks.Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
