Etacrynic acid is used in the management of water retention associated with heart failure, liver and kidney disease. Water retention may be noticed as swelling of the feet, ankles, lower leg and hands. This medicine helps remove excess water from the body, thus it is commonly known as “water pill”.
Etacrynic acid may also be used to treat other conditions, as decided by your doctor.
Take Etacrynic acid exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- unable to pass urine
- severe, watery diarrhoea caused by this medicine
as Etacrynic acid may not be suitable for you.
This medicine is not indicated for use in infants.
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or to an elderly.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Etacrynic acid.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- You may need to monitor for signs of dehydration.
- Your doctor may need to do routine tests (e.g. electrolyte level in the blood, kidney function) while you are being treated with this medicine.
Etacrynic acid may cause blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, tiredness, confusion, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort or pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe diarrhoea
- hearing problems such as loss of hearing, ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium
- other water pills e.g. spironolactone, triamterene
- medicines for diabetes
- medicines for gout e.g. probenecid
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. diclofenac, ibuprofen
- medicines for increased pressure in the eyes e.g. acetazolamide, methazolamide
- certain antibiotics e.g. amikacin, neomycin, gentamicin, tobramycin
- blood-thinning medicine e.g. warfarin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Etacrynic acid.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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