Ethacrynic Acid tablets

What is this medicine?

ETHACRYNIC ACID (eth a KRIN ik AS id) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose salt and excess water for your body. This medicine is used to treat edema, heart failure, or water retention.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine should be taken after a meal. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Remember that you will pass more urine after taking this medicine. Do not take your medicine at a time of day that will cause you problems.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat

• blood in the urine or stools

• blurred vision

• dry mouth

• fever or chills

• hearing loss, ringing in the ears

• irregular heartbeat

• muscle cramps, pain or weakness

• unusually weak or tired

• vomiting or diarrhea

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• loss of appetite

• stomach upset, pain or nausea

• unusual bleeding or bruising

What may interact with this medicine?

• antiinflammatory drugs like indomethacin

• certain antibiotics given by injection

• diuretics

• heart medicines like digoxin

• hormones like cortisone, fludrocortisone, or hydrocortisone

• lithium

• medicines for diabetes

• medicines for high blood pressure

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• abnormal blood electrolytes

• diarrhea or vomiting

• gout

• hearing problems

• heart disease

• kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ethacrynic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar as directed. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor. Also, ask how many glasses of fluids you need to drink each day. You must not get dehydrated.

This medication can make you feel confused, dizzy or lightheaded. Drinking alcohol can make this worse. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly.