ethacrynic acid
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.
What is Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)?
What is Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) used for?
- 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)
How Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) works
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.
Drug facts
More on Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) essentials
Side effects of Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Feeling tired or weak
- Low blood pressure (causing dizziness)
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Temporary hearing loss
- Blurry vision
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Low appetite
- Trouble swallowing
- Skin rash
Less Common Side Effects
- High uric acid levels
- Changes in blood sugar levels
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Abnormal electrolyte levels: weakness, muscle pain or cramps, dizziness, fast heartbeat, vomiting
- Severely low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, blurry vision, fainting
- Severe, watery diarrhea
The following Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) side effects have also been reported
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.
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Pros and cons of Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
Pros
- 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)
Cons
- 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
Pharmacist tips for Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
- 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.
Common questions about Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
No, ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) doesn't contain "sulfa." This is different from other loop diuretics, like furosemide (Lasix). Sulfa drugs are medications that have a chemical component called sulfonamide, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Since ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) isn't a sulfa drug, it's safe to take if you have a sulfa allergy.
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) doesn't cause kidney damage when it's taken at appropriate doses. But the risk for possible kidney damage is higher if you take a higher dose of the medication or if you're of older age. This kidney damage might happen when the medication lowers blood volume (the amount of fluid in your body) too quickly or too much. This can affect blood flow to the kidneys. Speak with your prescriber if you have concerns about how ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) will affect your kidneys.
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) starts to work rather quickly, within 30 minutes after you take the medication by mouth. Its maximum effect happens after about 2 hours. Remember that ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) works by making you urinate. With this in mind, make sure you have access to a restroom after you take the medication.
The effects of ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) typically last for about 6 to 8 hours after you take the medication. Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) works by making you urinate. So make sure you have access to a restroom during this time.
Yes, Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is a loop diuretic. It's a type of water pill. The medication works in the kidneys. It helps remove certain electrolytes and extra fluid from your body by getting rid of it through your urine. This helps lessen fluid buildup and swelling in the body.
Both ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) and furosemide (Lasix) are loop diuretics that treat edema (fluid buildup in the body). They both work to get rid of extra fluid in the body by making you urinate it out. Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is generally reserved for people who have a sulfa allergy and can't take sulfa drugs like furosemide (Lasix). Speak with your healthcare professional to compare between the two medications and see which diuretic is right for you.
There aren't any over-the-counter (OTC) supplements that you need to take while you're taking ethacrynic acid (Edecrin). But your healthcare professional might prescribe potassium chloride, which is a potassium supplement. Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is a very strong diuretic that can cause low potassium. Prescription potassium supplements can help restore your potassium levels to lessen the risk of having low potassium. Discuss with your prescriber about whether you need any prescription supplements. Don't take any OTC supplements without telling your prescriber first.
Speak with your prescriber about whether you can take ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) while pregnant. There isn't enough information to know whether the medication is safe to take during pregnancy. Your prescriber can discuss the risks and benefits to you and your unborn child. They can recommend safe options for you.
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Risks and warnings for Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
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.
Dehydration
- 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.
Abnormal electrolyte levels
- 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.
Low blood pressure
- 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.
Ear damage and hearing problems
- 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).
Severe diarrhea
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.
Possible gout
- 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.
Higher blood sugar
- 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).
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $34.30 | $1.14 |
Typical dosage for Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)
- 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.
Interactions between Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
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.
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Amikacin
- Amikacin Liposome
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Aspirin
- Bepridil
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Celecoxib
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digitoxin
- Dipyrone
- Dofetilide
- Droperidol
- Droxicam
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Foscarnet
- Furosemide
- Gentamicin
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Kanamycin
- Ketanserin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Levomethadyl
- Lithium
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Metolazone
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Neomycin
- Nepafenac
- Netilmicin
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sotalol
- Streptomycin
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tobramycin
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Valdecoxib
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.
- Alacepril
- Benazepril
- Captopril
- Cilazapril
- Cortisone
- Delapril
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Fosinopril
- Germanium
- Ginseng
- Gossypol
- Imidapril
- Licorice
- Lisinopril
- Moexipril
- Pentopril
- Perindopril
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Spirapril
- Temocapril
- Trandolapril
- Zofenopril
How much does Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) cost?
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) will not be safe for you to take.
- Can't urinate at all (i.e., not making any urine)
- Severe, watery diarrhea
- Infants
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