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ethacrynic acid - oral, Edecrin

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GENERIC NAME: ETHACRYNIC ACID - ORAL (eth-a-KRIN-ik AS-id)

BRAND NAME(S): Edecrin

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

USES: Ethacrynic acid is a "water pill" (diuretic) that increases the amount of urine you make. This helps your body get rid of extra water. This medication decreases swelling/fluid retention (edema) caused by conditions such as cancer, congestive heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. This effect can help improve symptoms such as trouble breathing and swollen belly (ascites) and improve kidney function.This medication should not be used in infants.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may be used to treat high blood pressure in people who are allergic to other "water pills"/diuretics.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once or twice a day after a meal or as directed by your doctor.It is best to avoid taking this medication within 4 hours of your bedtime to avoid having to get up to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule.The dosage is based on your condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may start you on a low dose once a day and then gradually increase the dose. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on changes in your weight, how much swelling (edema) you have, and your lab test results (sodium, potassium, acid/base). Your doctor may stop the drug or lower the dose after most of the extra water is gone. Some people may take this medication every other day or occasionally when needed. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision, stomach upset, mild weakness/tiredness, or diarrhea may occur. This medication will cause an increase in the amount of urine. 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 drug is a strong "water pill" (diuretic). Using too much of this drug can lead to serious water and mineral loss (dehydration). Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious symptoms of dehydration: loss of appetite, confusion, severe dizziness/fainting, unusual dry mouth/thirst, severe headache, fast/irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps/spasms, nausea/vomiting, numbness/tingling, seizure, decrease in amount of urine, unusual weakness/tiredness.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: 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, mental/mood changes (e.g., extreme sleepiness), pain/redness/new swelling of arms/legs, stomach/abdominal pain, large change in the amount of urine, dark urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing eyes/skin.Seek immediate medical attention 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, seek immediate medical attention 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.