Ethacrynic acid is used to treat edema (fluid retention; excess fluid held in body tissues) in adults and children caused by medical problems such as cancer, heart, kidney, or liver disease. Ethacrynic acid is in a class of medications called diuretics ('water pills'). It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.wisepoqder Ethacrynic acid
How should this medicine be used?
Ethacrynic acid comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with food or after meals depending on your doctor's instructions. Take ethacrynic acid at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ethacrynic acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Ethacrynic acid is also used to treat high blood pressure and a certain type of diabetes insipidus that does not respond to other medicines. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medicine for your condition.This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking ethacrynic acid,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ethacrynic acid, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ethacrynic acid tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin and gentamicin (Garamycin); anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); cephalosporin antibiotics such as cefaclor, cefadroxil, and cephalexin (Keflex); corticosteroids such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone (Cortef), methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisolone (Prelone), or prednisone (Rayos); digoxin (Lanoxin), lithium (Lithobid); and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take ethacrynic acid.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, gout, or liver disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking ethacrynic acid, call your doctor.
talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking ethacrynic acid if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take ethacrynic acid because it is not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.