ethacrynic acid vs furosemide
Side-by-side comparison of ethacrynic acid and furosemide Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
minor Known Drug Interaction
Furosemide should not be used concomitantly with ethacrynic acid because of the possibility of ototoxicity.
Recommendation: Do not take these two medications at the same time.
Edecrin
Lasix
Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is a strong diuretic, also known as a water pill. It helps your body get rid of extra fluid.
Furosemide is a water pill (diuretic). It helps your body get rid of extra water and salt.
This medicine treats swelling (edema) caused by heart failure, liver problems like cirrhosis, and kidney disease. It can also manage fluid buildup in the belly (ascites) from cancer, unexplained swelling, and swelling due to problems with the lymph system. Edecrin can also be used short-term for hospitalized children (excluding infants) with heart problems or kidney problems.
This medicine treats swelling (edema) from heart failure, liver problems, or kidney disease. It can also treat high blood pressure. Furosemide is helpful when you need a stronger diuretic.
Ethacrynic acid helps your kidneys remove extra salt and water from your body. It works in a specific part of the kidney called the loop of Henle. This reduces fluid buildup and lowers blood pressure.
Furosemide works in your kidneys. It helps your kidneys remove more salt and water from your blood. This lowers the amount of fluid in your body and lowers blood pressure.
- • Loss of appetite
- • Feeling unwell
- • Stomach discomfort or pain
- • Difficulty swallowing
- • Nausea
- • Dizziness
- • Headache
- • Blurred vision
- • Nausea
- • Vomiting
- Drug reaction with increased white blood cells and body-wide symptoms 59
- Using the medicine for a condition it is not approved for 50
- Feeling sick to your stomach 43
- Difficulty breathing 42
- The medicine is not working 35
- Difficulty breathing 29,099
- Tiredness 20,389
- Diarrhea 19,940
- Feeling sick to your stomach 18,682
- Sudden kidney damage 18,530
You should not take this medicine if you cannot urinate. If you develop increasing electrolyte imbalance, increased nitrogen in your blood, and/or decreased urination during treatment for severe, worsening kidney disease, stop taking this medicine. If you experience severe, watery diarrhea, stop taking Edecrin and do not take it again. Edecrin can sometimes cause deafness, ringing in the ears, and dizziness.
Furosemide can cause you to lose too much fluid and electrolytes. This can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, and kidney problems. Your doctor should check your blood regularly while you are taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. It is not known if Edecrin will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Furosemide may not be safe during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking this medicine while breastfeeding.
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How to Read This ethacrynic acid vs furosemide Comparison
ethacrynic acid is classified in the Loop Diuretic drug class, while furosemide sits within the Loop Diuretic class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory — but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, ethacrynic acid has 229 submissions while furosemide has 106,640. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to using these two medicines together can increase the risk of hearing loss or ear damage.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between ethacrynic acid and furosemide — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.