Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin)

Category:

  • Diuretic

Description:

  • Loop diuretic

Indications:

  • Pulmonary edema

  • edema in CHF, liver disease, renal disease including nephrotic syndrome,ascites

Contraindications:

Hypovolemia

  • Anuria

  • Electrolyte depletion

  • Infants

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category B; contraindicated per manufacturer

  • Dehydration

  • Cirrhosis (may precipitate hepatic encephalopathy)

  • Concurrent administration of other ototoxic drugs

  • Sulfa allergy

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • CNS: encephalopathy in hepatic disease, fatigue, headache, vertigo, weakness

  • CV: chest pain, circulatory collapse, ECG changes, hypotension

  • EENT: blurred vision, ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus

  • GI: abdominal distension/pain, acute pancreatitis, anorexia, jaundice, GI bleeding, dry mouth, cramps, severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting

  • GU: glycosuria, polyuria, renal failure, sexual dysfunction

  • HEME: agranulocytosis, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia

  • METAB: decreased glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, hyperuricemia, hypocalcemia, hypochloremic alkalosis, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia

  • MS: arthritis, cramps, stiffness

  • SKIN: photosensitivity, pruritis, purpura, rash, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, sweating  

Dosage:

Administered orally or intravenously

  • Adult: 

    • PO 50-200mg daily; may give up to 200mg twice daily, adjust dose in 25-50mg increments

    • IV 50mg or 0.5-1.0 mg/kg given over several minutes

  • Child: 

    • PO 25mg increased by 25mg per day until desired effect occurs; not established for infants or parenterally

Special Consideration:

  • Reserve for patients not responding or intolerant to furosemide or bumetanide

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300  

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
Volumes 1-6
2004 Edition
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright 2004
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