Brand Name(s): Edecrin Injection

Generic Name Ethacrynic Acid Injection

What is ethacrynate sodium injection?

Ethacrynate Sodium (Sodium Edecrin^®) is a diuretic. Diuretics increase the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Ethacrynate sodium is a loop diuretic; "loop" refers to the part of the kidney where ethacrynic acid works. Ethacrynate sodium is given as a diuretic in emergency conditions when it is not possible to take ethacrynic acid tablets, such as fluid in the lungs. Generic ethacrynate sodium injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive ethacrynate sodium?

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

• diabetes
• diarrhea
• gout
• hearing problems
• heart disease, or previous heart attack
• kidney disease, small amounts of urine, or difficulty passing urine
• liver disease
• low blood levels of calcium, potassium, chloride, sodium or magnesium
• pancreatitis
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ethacrynic acid, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Ethacrynate sodium is for injection or infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with ethacrynate sodium?

• alcohol
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• certain antibiotics given by injection
• heart medicines
• hormones such as cortisone, fludrocortisone, or hydrocortisone
• medicines for high blood pressure
• lithium
• warfarin
• water pills

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving ethacrynate sodium?

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

• blood in the urine
• blurred vision
• dry mouth
• fever or chills
• hearing loss, ringing in the ears
• increased thirst
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle cramps, pain or weakness
• nausea, vomiting
• pain, redness, swelling or irritation at the injection site
• skin rash
• stomach pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

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

• confusion
• diarrhea
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• headache
• loss of appetite

What should I watch for while taking ethacrynate sodium?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your prescriber or health care professional what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact him or her. You must not get dehydrated, ask your prescriber or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Do not stop using ethacrynate sodium except on your prescriber's advice.

Watch your diet while you are using ethacrynate sodium. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about both potassium and sodium intake. Ethacrynate sodium can make your body lose potassium and you may need an extra supply. Some foods have a high potassium content such as bananas, coconuts, dates, figs, prunes, apricots, peaches, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, and orange juice.

You may get dizzy or lightheaded. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how ethacrynate sodium affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you lightheaded, dizzy and increase confusion. Avoid or limit intake of alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are using ethacrynic acid.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store vials at room temperature between 15 and 30 °C (59 and 86 °F). After mixing the injection solution use within 24 hours. Do not use if the solution is hazy or opalescent. Throw away any unused injection solution.