Ethacrynic Acid

U.S. Brand Names

Edecrin®

Canadian Brand Names

Edecrin®

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as an injection and a tablet.

• Some pharmacies may make a liquid.

Pharmacologic Category

Diuretic, Loop

What key warnings should I know about before giving this medicine to my child?

This medicine is a strong water medicine. Sometimes too much water and important elements (potassium) in the blood can be lost. Your healthcare provider will watch your child closely to change the dose to match his/her body's needs.

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to ethacrynic acid or any other part of this medicine.

• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• Not if your child has difficulty urinating.

• Not if this medicine caused severe diarrhea before.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to get rid of extra fluid.

• This medicine is used to improve a weakened heart.

How does this medicine work?

• Ethacrynic acid gets rid of extra salt and water in the body through the kidneys.

How is this medicine given?

• Give this medicine early in the day to avoid sleep problems.

• Give this medicine with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• A liquid (suspension) is available if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.

• Children who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use measuring device that comes with the medicine. If none is available, get an oral syringe, a medicine dropper, a medicine spoon, or a medicine cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.

• Have your child follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

Injection (I.V.):

• This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• This medicine begins to work within 2 hours and lasts up to 12 hours.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's regular schedule.

• Do not give a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop your child's medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• If your child has kidney disease, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid giving your child other medicines and natural products that slow actions and reactions.

• Your child may need potassium supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Your child can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; dress your child in protective clothing and encourage use of protective eyewear.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Low potassium level. Signs include feeling tired, weak, numbness, or tingling; muscle cramps; constipation; vomiting; or fast heartbeat.

• Feeling dizzy. Rising slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position is recommended. Children should be extra careful climbing stairs.

• Headache.

• Belly pain.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.

• Dry mouth.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• For the occurrence of side effects.

• If your child is diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugar closely.

• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Check blood work (potassium) regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your child's teeth. See a dentist regularly.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.

• If your child shows signs of low potassium.

• If your child shows signs of severe dizziness or passes out.

• If your child has severe nausea or vomiting.

• If your child has significant weight gain.

• If your child has swelling of legs or belly.

• If your child has a change in hearing.

• If your child is unable to pass urine.

• If your child does not wet his/her diapers.

• If your child develops a rash.

• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from light.

• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• Store liquid (suspension) at room temperature. Throw away any unused portion after 7 months.

• The injection will be given to your child in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.

• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.

• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.

• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Created: 2006-10-16 10:58:23.0

Modified: 2008-01-25 08:14:14.0

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