$Unique_ID{BRK01951}
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$Title{ETHACRYNIC ACID}
$Subject{Edecrin (Merck Sharp & Dohme)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


ETHACRYNIC ACID
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Edecrin (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     ethacrynic acid
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (25 mg and 50 mg)
STORAGE:
     Ethacrynic acid should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     Ethacrynic acid is prescribed to treat high blood pressure.  It is also
used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as
heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use
of some medications.  This medication reduces fluid accumulation by increasing
the elimination of salt and water through the kidneys.

TREATMENT

     To decrease stomach irritation, you can take ethacrynic acid with a glass
of milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).  Try
to take it at the same time every day.  Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 P.M.;
otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, constipation, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, headache,
loss of appetite, sore mouth, or stomach upset.  As your body adjusts to the
medication, these side effects should disappear.
     This medication will cause an increase in the amount of urine or in the
frequency of urination when you first begin to take it.  It may also cause you
to have an unusual feeling of tiredness.  These effects should lessen after
several days.
     This medication can also cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and exercise more
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
black, tarry stools; confusion; difficulty in breathing; dry mouth; fainting;
increased thirst; itching; joint pains; loss of appetite; mood changes; muscle
cramps; nausea; palpitations; rash; ringing in the ears; sore throat; severe
abdominal pain; tingling in the fingers and toes; unusual bleeding or
bruising; vomiting; watery diarrhea; weakness; or yellowing of the eyes or
skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Ethacrynic acid interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. It can increase the side effects of alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics,
cephalosporin antibiotics, chloral hydrate, cortisone and cortisone-like
steroids (such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone, and
prednisolone), digoxin, digitalis, lithium, amphotericin B, heparin, and
warfarin.
     2. Probenecid and indomethacin may decrease the effectiveness of this
medicine.
     3. The effectiveness of antigout medications, insulin, and oral
antidiabetic medications may be decreased by ethacrynic acid.
     Before taking ethacrynic acid, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to ethacrynic acid or other diuretics.
     * Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor if you now
have or if you have ever had kidney disease, problems with urination, or liver
disease.
     * This drug can cause potassium loss.  Signs of potassium loss include
dry mouth, thirst, weakness, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, and vomiting.  If
you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor.  Your doctor may have
blood tests performed periodically to monitor your potassium levels.  To help
avoid potassium loss, take this drug with a glass of fresh or frozen orange or
cranberry juice, or eat a banana every day.  The use of a salt substitute also
helps to prevent potassium loss.  Do not change your diet or use a salt
substitute, however, before discussing it with your doctor.  Too much
potassium can also be dangerous.
     * To prevent severe water loss (dehydration) while taking this
medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe
or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
     * Before having any kind of surgery or other medical or dental treatment,
be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking ethacrynic acid.
     * To prevent dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting, get up from a
sitting or lying position slowly, avoid standing for long periods of time, and
avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged exposure to hot weather.  While taking
this medication, limit your intake of alcoholic beverages in order to prevent
dizziness or light-headedness.
     * If you have high blood pressure, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medication for weight control or for allergy, asthma, cough,
cold, or sinus problems unless you first check with your doctor.
     * The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This drug crosses the
placenta.  Although studies in humans have not been conducted, adverse effects
have been observed in the fetuses of animals that received large doses of this
drug during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an
infant.  Small amounts of this drug pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
