Edecrin (Ethacrynic Acid)

What is Edecrin?

Edecrin (Ethacrynic acid) is a diuretic (water pill) which prevents the body from absorbing extra salt. It increases the amount of urine made by the body.

What is Edecrin used for?

Edecrin is used to reduce swelling or edema (fluid retention) caused by conditions like liver disease, cancer, kidney disease, or congestive heart failure. The medication can help improve symptoms such as breathing trouble, ascites (swollen belly) and improve kidney functions.

How does Edecrin work?

Edecrin works by increasing the amount of urine made by the body so that the body gets rid of extra salt and water.

How to use Edecrin

Use it as directed by your doctor. Consuming Edecrin for longer period or in larger amount than suggested can cause health trouble.

The medication is taken once or twice daily, usually after meals. Avoid taking Edecrin within 4 hours of your bedtime else this may disturb your nighttime sleep and you may have to get up often to urinate. Your doctor may change your dose to make sure that you receive best results. Wisely follow your doctor’s instructions about using extra potassium supplements with this medicine, as it can cause serious problems. You should make sure that the medicine is not causing you any harmful after effects therefore your blood and weight should be checked regularly and recorded too so that your doctor can have an idea how the medicine is helping you.

Edecrin warnings and precautions

Avoid Edecrin if you are suffering from severe watery diarrhea (or if you recently had it) or if you have difficulty in urinating. Do inform your doctor about gout, kidney or liver disease as you may need dose adjustments.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated while on the Edecrin dosing schedule.

Although the medication is unlikely to cause harm to a fetus, pregnant females should consult their doctors before taking this medication. Lactating females too are advised to seek their doctor’s permission before starting to take the medication.

What do I do if I have missed a Edecrin dose?

If you have missed an Edecrin dose then have the medicine as soon as you remember. If it is nearly the same time of your next dose then take your usually scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.

What do I do if I have taken a Edecrin overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Edecrin, you should contact your doctor without delay.

Edecrin interactions

Before taking Edecrin, you should inform your doctor about all the medications that you are on, especially if you have been consuming  medicines like blood thinners, blood pressure medicines, cancer medicines, Lithium, digioxin (Lanoxin),  Caboplatin ( Paraplatin) or oxiplatin, other diuretics especially furosemide (Lasix) or torsemide (Demadex),  steroids (prednisone), antibiotics, NSAIDs such as  ibuprofen, diclofenac, indomethacin, naproxen, piroxicam, nabumetone, etodolac, amikacin (Amikin), gentamic (Garamycin), Streptomycin, or tobramycin (Nebcin, Tobi).

Edecrin side effects

Major side effects of Edecrin include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, dry mouth, increased thirst, nausea, vomiting, weakness, drowsiness, restlessness, muscle pain, weakness, fever, chills, flu symptoms, blood in urine or stools, rapid weight loss, hearing loss, jaundice, coughing up blood, bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness, fast or uneven heartbeat. Contact your doctor immediately if you witness any of these side effects from Edecrin.

Less serious Edecrin side effects include mild diarrhea, stomach pain, trouble swallowing, headache, dizziness or loss of appetite.