What is the most important information I should know about ethacrynic acid?
Do not use this medication if you are unable to urinate, or if you have recently had
severe watery
diarrhea.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or
gout.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and your weight will
need to be checked on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested.
It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
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.
Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and
amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking ethacrynic acid.
There are many other medicines that can interact with ethacrynic acid. Tell your doctor
about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins,
minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new
medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and
show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
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 treats 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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ethacrynic acid?
Do not use this medication if you are unable to urinate, or if you have recently had
severe watery diarrhea.
Before using ethacrynic acid, tell your doctor if you have:
-
kidney disease;
-
liver disease; or
-
gout.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether ethacrynic acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take ethacrynic acid?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from
this medication.
Take this medication with food 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.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and your weight will
need to be checked on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested.
Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Store this medication at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.
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