Ethacrynic Acid

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to rid the body of extra salt and water. Patients who frequently have this problem are ones with weakened hearts (congestive heart failure), poor kidney function, or poor liver function.
• It can be used to reduce blood pressure in these patients whose high blood pressure is due to extra salt and water.

How does it work?

• Ethacrynic acid acts on the kidney to eliminate more water and salt in the urine.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• Take early in the day to avoid sleep problems caused by trips to the bathroom.
• Follow diet plan as recommended by healthcare provider (usually low sodium).
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Shake well first.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not discontinue without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Limit alcohol intake (no more than 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1 ounce of liquor per day).
• Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• You may need potassium supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine (particularly sulfonamide one). Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling lightheaded. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Belly pain and cramps.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

What should I monitor?

• Watch for swelling of legs or belly, shortness of breath, weight gain, exercise tolerance. If any of these worsen, talk with healthcare provider.
• Report a 3-5 pound weight gain if you have heart failure.
• Check blood pressure regularly.
• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store tablets in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.
• Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature. Throw away after 6 months.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant)
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved