What condition does Ethacrynic Acid treat?
Ethacrynic Acid is a diuretic that is used to decrease swelling caused by:
- Cancer
- Congestive heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
This supports your kidneys work well and helps your body get rid of extra water. This can also reduce symptoms such as swelling in your feet, hands, ankles, or belly as well as trouble breathing.
Ethacrynic Acid works in your kidneys to raise the total of urine you make. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this medication.
How does Ethacrynic Acid work?
Ethacrynic Acid works by making your kidneys pass more water and salt from the body. It inhibits the symport of potassium, sodium, and chloride but also in the distal and proximal tubules. This action results in the excretion of these ions, reduction in extracellular fluid. It also increases urinary output.
Diuretics also lower blood pressure primarily by decreasing extracellular fluid volume and plasma. It also decreases cardiac output, clarifying its antihypertensive action. Finally, cardiac output proceeds to usual with an accompanying decrease in peripheral resistance.
What is the recommended dosage of Ethacrynic Acid?
This medicine is to be taken by mouth with a full glass of water. It is usually taken once or twice a day after a meal. You may need to wake up to urinate if you take it too close to bedtime. Take it at least 4 hours before your bedtime.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response. Follow the prescription of your doctor very carefully.
To decrease your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this treatment at a low dosage and slowly increase your dosage. Your doctor will adjust your dosage based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and lab tests. Several people may be directed to take this medicine every other day or only when needed.
What are the side effects of Ethacrynic Acid?
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Stomach pain or upset
- Blurred vision
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Mild weakness or tiredness
- Trouble swallowing
What are the precautions in taking Ethacrynic Acid?
- This is not prescribed in children under the age of two years.
- Let your doctor know if you have had liver or heart disease. Tell also your doctor if you have any allergies or current medications or treatments.
- This is not recommended while breastfeeding. If it is needed for you to take the drug, your doctor may ask you to stop breastfeeding.
- While having this medication, check your blood sugar regularly. This may make it more difficult to control your blood sugar levels.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can make you dizzier.
- This medicine can lower certain mineral or salt levels in your blood. Your doctor may tell you to use more salt, eat potassium-rich foods or take a potassium supplement. Ask your doctor for more details.
- During pregnancy, this medicine must be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. if you get pregnant while having treatment with this medicine, call your doctor right away.
