Ethacrynic acid is a loop diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt, allowing the salt to instead be passed in your urine.

Ethacrynic acid is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder such as nephrotic syndrome.

Ethacrynic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use ethacrynic acid if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you are unable to urinate; or
• you have recently had severe watery diarrhea.

To make sure ethacrynic acid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• cirrhosis or other liver disease;
• heart disease;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
• kidney disease;
• gout; or
• if you are on a low-salt diet.

Ethacrynic acid is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether ethacrynic acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Ethacrynic acid is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Use Ethacrynic Acid (Edecrin) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• weight loss;
• severe or watery diarrhea;
• hearing problems, feeling of fullness in your ear;
• severe weakness, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• sudden numbness or weakness, problems with speech or balance, chest pain, coughing up blood;
• low potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
• low sodium--headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or other stomach discomfort;
• trouble swallowing;
• loss of appetite;
• blurred vision;
• fever, chills; or
• headache, feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid becoming dehydrated. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking ethacrynic acid.