Ethacrynate sodium is used to decrease swelling (edema)
caused by conditions such as cancer, heart failure, liver disease, and
kidney disease. This medication works in your kidneys like a "water
pill"/diuretic to increase the amount of urine you make. This effect can
help your kidneys work better and lessen symptoms such as trouble breathing
and swelling in your ankles, feet, hands, or belly.
This medication should not be used for
infants.
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 also be used for high blood
pressure.
This medication is given by injection into a vein as
directed by your doctor. It is usually given by a health care
professional.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab
tests, and response to treatment.
If you use this drug too close to bedtime, you may need
to wake up to urinate. It is best to use 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 you do not get better or if you get
worse.
Pain at the injection site, dizziness, lightheadedness,
weakness, muscle cramps, upset stomach, or diarrhea may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor 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 cause dehydration and electrolyte
imbalance. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of
dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, including unusual dry mouth/thirst,
unusual decreased urination, muscle cramps/weakness, slow/fast/irregular
heartbeat, or confusion.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- easy bleeding/bruising
- fainting
- feeling of spinning (vertigo)
- hearing changes (such as ringing or fullness in the ears,
decreased hearing/deafness)
- black/bloody stools
- stomach/abdominal pain
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
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 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using ethacrynate sodium, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- gout
- kidney disease
- liver disease
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause
dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have
severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids
unless your doctor tells you not to.
This drug can lower certain salt/mineral levels (such as
sodium, potassium) in your blood. Your doctor may tell you to use more
salt, eat potassium-rich foods (such as bananas, orange juice), or take a
potassium supplement. Ask your doctor for more details.
This medication may affect your blood sugar. If you have
diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the
results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes
medication, exercise program, or diet.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially dizziness and water/mineral loss.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- desmopressin
- furosemide
- lithium
Some products have ingredients that could raise your
blood pressure or worsen your swelling. Tell your pharmacist what products
you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold
products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen).
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, blood
mineral levels such as potassium) should be done while you are using this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
