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ethacrynate sodium - injection, Edecrin

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GENERIC NAME: ETHACRYNATE SODIUM - INJECTION (eth-uh-CRY-nate SO-dee-um)

BRAND NAME(S): Edecrin

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Ethacrynate sodium is used to reduce extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, and cancer. Getting rid of extra water helps to reduce fluid in the lungs so that you can breathe easier. It also helps to decrease swelling of the arms, legs, and stomach/abdomen. This medication is known as a diuretic (the same kind of drug as a "water pill"). It causes your body to get rid of extra water by increasing the amount of urine you make. This injectable form of ethacrynate sodium is used when a similar drug cannot be taken by mouth or when extra water must be removed quickly, especially in patients with severe medical conditions.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Do not inject this medication into a muscle or under the skin because pain and irritation at the injection site may occur. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, use this more often than prescribed, or stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. Before using this product, check it visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.If you use this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. Therefore, it is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is expected to increase urination.Blurred vision, dizziness, loss of appetite, stomach upset, headache, or weakness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.This medication may lead the loss of too much body water and minerals (including potassium), causing dehydration. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms of dehydration or mineral loss: muscle cramps/weakness, confusion, severe dizziness, drowsiness, unusual dry mouth/thirst, nausea/vomiting, fast/irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine, fainting, seizures.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bleeding/bruising, black/bloody stools, severe watery diarrhea, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), ringing in the ear, feeling of spinning (vertigo), hearing loss, sudden loss of consciousness, pain/redness/new swelling of arms/legs, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing eyes/skin.Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision changes.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.