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 unable to urinate, or if you have recently had severe watery diarrhea.

Ethacrynic acid comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with food or after meals depending on your doctor's instructions. Take ethacrynic acid at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ethacrynic acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take this medicine after a meal, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Ethacrynic acid will make you urinate more often and you may get dehydrated easily. Follow your doctor's instructions about using potassium supplements or getting enough salt and potassium in your diet.

While using ethacrynic acid, you may need frequent blood tests and weight checks.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

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 ethacrynic acid.

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.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include dry mouth, increased thirst, mood changes, confusion, ringing in your ears, loss of appetite, vomiting, muscle pain or weakness, lack of energy, fast heartbeats, and little or no urination.

Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

Follow your doctor's directions. They may include a daily exercise program, a low-salt or low-sodium diet, potassium supplements, and increased amounts of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice) in your diet.

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

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

Ethacrynic acid may cause serious side effects. 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 of ethacrynic acid 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.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• digoxin, digitalis;

• lithium;

• blood pressure medications;

• an antibiotic (including those given through an IV);

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or

• steroid medicine--prednisone, dexamethasone, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with ethacrynic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure and weight during your treatment and may order blood tests to check your body's response to ethacrynic acid.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.