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.
