Ethacrynic acid, also known by its brand name Edecrin, is a strong diuretic (water pill) for treating edema (swelling). It's a loop diuretic that can be used for people who have a sulfa allergy and can't take other diuretics in the same drug class. Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is a tablet that's taken by mouth, but the specific dosage depends on the medical condition that's causing the edema. Common side effects include tiredness, headache, and loss of appetite.
Edema (swelling from fluid buildup) related to congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney problems
Short-term management of ascites (buildup of fluid in the stomach) due to cancer, edema from an unknown cause, or lymphedema (swelling caused by fluid buildup in the lymphatic system)
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is a loop diuretic (a type of water pill). It works in the kidney to remove certain electrolytes and extra fluid from your body. The electrolytes and extra fluid leave the body through your urine. This helps lessen swelling.
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Bleeding gums
clay-colored stools
darkened urine
indigestion
large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
loss of appetite
painful knees and ankles
pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pinpoint red spots on skin
raised red swellings on the skin, the buttocks, legs, or ankles
skin rash
unpleasant breath odor
vomiting of blood
yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not determined
black, tarry stools
blood in urine
blurred vision
cold sweats
coma
confusion
convulsions (seizures)
cool, pale skin
cough or hoarseness
dizziness
fast heartbeat
fever with or without chills
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
lower back, side, or stomach pain
nervousness
nightmares
painful or difficult urination
pale skin
shakiness
shortness of breath
slurred speech
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
sweating
swelling of the feet or lower legs
troubled breathing
unexplained weight loss
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
watery and severe diarrhea
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Confusion
decreased urination
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
increase in heart rate
irregular heartbeat
muscle cramps or pain
numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
rapid breathing
sunken eyes
thirst
trembling
weakness and heaviness of the legs
wrinkled skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not determined
Continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
difficulty swallowing
fear
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of fullness in the ears
general feeling of discomfort or illness
hearing loss
mild diarrhea
sensation of spinning
stomach soreness or discomfort
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Works well at making you urinate out extra fluids from the body to
Can take if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs
Can take if you have kidney problems (but will need close monitoring)
Can cause temporary hearing loss or ringing in the ears
Can cause stomach upset and diarrhea
Not a good choice for people with serious liver problems
It's recommended to take ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) after a meal.
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is a water pill, which means that it causes you to urinate more often. It's best to take the medication in the morning or afternoon. This helps you avoid having to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.
Drink enough water every day while you're taking ethacrynic acid (Edecrin). Since this medication makes you urinate more often, it can cause dehydration. Be sure not to drink an excessive amount of water to prevent dehydration, though, because this can be dangerous. Ask your prescriber about how much water you should drink to prevent dehydration without raising your risk for overhydration.
You might notice some ringing in your ears or hearing loss while you're taking ethacrynic acid (Edecrin). Hearing loss from the medication usually goes away after a day. But contact your prescriber if the ringing or any changes to your hearing is bothersome or concerning to you or if it doesn't go away.
You might feel dizzy when you stand up after sitting or lying down. This happens because ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) can lower blood pressure. Make sure to hold onto something stable and stand up slowly when you get up to prevent falling. Tell your prescriber if your dizziness doesn't go away.
Tell your prescriber right away if you have any weakness, muscle pain or cramps, fast heartbeat, or vomiting. Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) can cause changes to your electrolyte levels, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: High dose of ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) makes you urinate to get rid of extra fluids built up in the body. This can cause dehydration and make you feel thirsty.
Drink plenty of fluids as you continue to take ethacrynic acid (Edecrin). Contact a healthcare professional (HCP) if you're very thirsty or dizzy; if you have headaches, dry skin, or muscle cramps; or if you're urinating less than usual. These are signs of possible dehydration. Your dose might need to be lowered or you might need a break from treatment.
Risk factors: Current kidney problems | Taking medications that affect electrolyte levels | High dose of ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) | Strict low-salt diet
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) can change your electrolyte levels, which can include sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride. You might need periodic blood tests done during treatment to check your electrolyte levels.
Let your HCP know if you have any dry mouth, weakness, tiredness, dizziness, tingling, numbness, muscle pain or cramps, irregular heart rate, nausea, or vomiting. They can be signs that your electrolyte levels are low. Your prescriber might lower your ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) dose or suggest that you take a break from treatment.
Risk factors: Taking other medications that lower blood pressure | Drinking alcohol | Overheating
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) can lower your blood pressure when you stand up after sitting or lying down. This can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. You're at risk of this happening if you're also taking blood pressure medications. Talk to your prescriber if lightheadedness or dizziness when standing up doesn't go away after a few days. Your prescriber might change your ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) dose or recommend a different medication.
Risk factors: Current kidney problems | Higher-than-recommended dose of ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) | Injection form of ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) | Taking other medications that cause hearing problems
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) can cause ringing in the ears or hearing loss. Hearing loss related to treatment with ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is usually temporary and typically lasts up to a day. It's very rare for hearing damage or hearing loss to be permanent.
Discuss with your prescriber if you have concerns about the risk for hearing problems. Let your care team know if you have concerns about ringing in the ears or hearing loss while you're taking ethacrynic acid (Edecrin).
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) can sometimes cause sudden severe, watery diarrhea. Tell your prescriber right away if you develop this type of diarrhea while you're taking ethacrynic acid (Edecrin). They can see whether it's from the medication and how serious it is. You might need more medical attention.
Risk factors: History of gout | Current kidney problems
Some people who took ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) have had gout attacks. Tell your HCP if you've had gout attacks in the past or currently have gout, so that they can monitor your condition closely.
Risk factors: History of diabetes
In some rare cases, people have had higher blood sugar levels while they took ethacrynic acid (Edecrin). If you have diabetes, ask your HCP whether you should check your blood sugar more often while you're taking ethacrynic acid (Edecrin).
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
25mg | 30 tablets | $41.08 | $1.37 |
Adults: The typical dose ranges between 50 mg and 200 mg by mouth daily, sometimes split into two doses per day. Your healthcare professional might adjust the dose depending on what your individual situation is like and how well the medication works to lessen swelling.
Children: The typical starting dose is 25 mg by mouth once daily. The prescriber will adjust the dose based on how well the medication is working for your child.
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is also available as an injection that's given through the vein (intravenously or IV). The injection form is for people who can't take medications by mouth or are in urgent situations. It's given by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Can't urinate at all (i.e., not making any urine)
Severe, watery diarrhea
Infants
Edema (swelling from fluid buildup) related to congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney problems
Short-term management of ascites (buildup of fluid in the stomach) due to cancer, edema from an unknown cause, or lymphedema (swelling caused by fluid buildup in the lymphatic system)
Swelling (edema) due to heart failure, liver problems, or kidney problems
Swelling due to heart failure or kidney disease
Swelling due to liver disease (taken with other medications) - generic ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) only
High blood pressure - generic ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) only
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Aribo, C., et al. (2023). Ethacrynic acid. StatPearls.
Ding, D., et al. (2016). Ototoxic effects and mechanisms of loop diuretics. Journal of Otology.
MedlinePlus. (2019). Lymphedema.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Uric acid - blood.
Mylan Institutional LLC. (2021). Ethacrynic sodium injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
TRUPHARMA LLC. (2024). Ethacrynic acid tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
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