Ethacrynic Acid

Take this medication by mouth after a meal as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a day. If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. It is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosing schedule.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Some people may be directed to take this medication every other day or only when needed. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.

If your doctor has directed you to take this medication on a regular schedule, take it regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

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.

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 notice 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 MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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).

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, blood mineral levels such as potassium) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

If you are taking this drug on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.