Etacrynic acid - Oral

Etacrynic acid is used to treat water retention caused by heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), kidney disease, or liver disease. Water retention may be noticed as swelling of the feet, ankles, lower leg and hands, or shortness of breath. For this reason, it is commonly known as a "water pill".

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.

Take this medicine together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.

You may need to pass urine more often while being treated with Etacrynic acid. Take this medicine early in the day, preferably in the morning. If your doctor has told you to take it twice a day, take the last dose in the late afternoon. This is to prevent you from waking up frequently at night to go to the toilet.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Etacrynic acid 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 your 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
• previously experienced severe watery diarrhoea caused by this medicine

as Etacrynic acid may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of gout (high uric acid level in the blood)
• diabetes
• liver cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver caused by long-term liver damage)
• history of hepatic encephalopathy (brain impairment associated with liver disease)
• other liver problems
• other kidney problems

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Etacrynic acid to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine.

If you are going to have a laboratory test (e.g. test for blood sugar tolerance), inform your doctor that you are taking Etacrynic acid.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring of your daily weight and for signs of hearing problems may also be needed.

Etacrynic acid may cause any of the following side effects: headache, stomach pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and difficulty swallowing.

You may need to pass urine more often while you are being treated with this medicine. As your body adjusts to the medicine, this urination effect should also decrease.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
• pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
• ringing or feeling of fullness in the ears, loss of hearing, dizziness with sensations of spinning
• muscle pain, unusual weakness or tiredness, loss of appetite, feeling confused

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:

• other water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, acetazolamide
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
• certain antibiotics e.g. gentamicin
• lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
• warfarin (blood thinning medicine)

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 medicine, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Your doctor may give you potassium supplements while you are being treated with Etacrynic acid. Alternatively, he may tell you to eat more foods that are rich in potassium, such as orange juice, bananas, or prunes.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.