Ethacrynic Acid tablets

What are ethacrynic acid tablets?
ETHACRYNIC ACID (Edecrin�) is a loop diuretic (water or fluid pill). Loop diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Ethacrynic acid is given as a diuretic in conditions that make the body retain water and produce swelling (edema), like heart failure, liver or kidney problems. It is not a cure. Generic ethacrynic acid tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
�diabetes
�diarrhea
�gout
�hearing problems
�heart disease, or previous heart attack
�kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine
�liver disease
�low blood levels of calcium, potassium, chloride, sodium or magnesium
�pancreatitis
�systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
�an unusual or allergic reaction to ethacrynic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
�pregnant or trying to get pregnant
�breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?
Take ethacrynic acid tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If ethacrynic acid upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Remember that you will need to pass urine frequently after taking ethacrynic acid. Do not take your doses at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with ethacrynic acid?
�alcohol
�antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
�certain antibiotics given by injection
�dofetilide
�heart medicines such as digoxin or digitoxin
�hormones such as cortisone, fludrocortisone, or hydrocortisone
�medicines for high blood pressure
�lithium
�monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect�, Eldepryl�, Emsam�, Marplan�, Nardil�, Parnate�, Zelapar�)
�warfarin
�water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking ethacrynic acid?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
�blood in the urine
�blurred vision
�dry mouth
�fever or chills
�hearing loss, ringing in the ears
�increased thirst
�irregular heartbeat
�muscle cramps, pain or weakness
�nausea, vomiting
�skin rash
�stomach pain
�unusual bleeding or bruising
�unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
�confusion
�diarrhea
�difficulty swallowing
�dizziness or lightheadedness
�headache
�loss of appetite

What should I watch for while taking ethacrynic acid?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. You must not get dehydrated, ask your prescriber or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Do not stop taking ethacrynic acid except on your prescriber's advice.

Watch your diet while you are taking ethacrynic acid. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about both potassium and sodium intake. Ethacrynic acid can make your body lose potassium and you may need an extra supply. Some foods have a high potassium content such as bananas, coconuts, dates, figs, prunes, apricots, peaches, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, and orange juice.

You may get dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ethacrynic acid affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you lightheaded, dizzy and increase confusion. Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking ethacrynic acid.

Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

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