Prescription medication · Loop Diuretic

ethacrynic acid

Name: ethacrynic acid - FDA Drug Safety & Adverse Event Data
Creator: PlainMeds
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Also sold as Edecrin. This medicine treats swelling (edema) caused by heart failure, liver problems like cirrhosis, and kidney disease.

Compiled by PlainMeds Editorial, Drug Information Editorial Team

Data updated 2026-05-15

520
FDA reportsRarely reported: 5
InteractionsFew interactions: $1.16
Generic price (NADAC)

What the data shows

ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is a prescription Loop Diuretic, among the least-reported drugs the FDA tracks (520 FDA reports), with 5 documented drug interactions.

Reporting volume reflects how widely a drug is used and studied, not how dangerous it is, a FAERS report documents a temporal association, never proof of cause.

ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is a prescription Loop Diuretic. This medicine treats swelling (edema) caused by heart failure, liver problems like cirrhosis, and kidney disease.

Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) is a strong diuretic, also known as a water pill. It helps your body get rid of extra fluid.

Verify with FDA → · CMS NADAC pricing →

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Generic Price

$1.16/unit

Generic Available

Yes (6 manufacturers)

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

View Alternatives → Compare with Another Drug → Full Side Effects Report →

What it does

This medicine treats swelling (edema) caused by heart failure, liver problems like cirrhosis, and kidney disease.

Common side effects

Loss of appetite, Feeling unwell, Stomach discomfort or pain

Key warnings

You should not take this medicine if you cannot urinate.

The sections below are summarized in plain English from ethacrynic acid's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.

How It Works

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.

How to Take It

Take Edecrin tablets by mouth. Your doctor will tell you how much to take. Start with the lowest dose needed to gradually lose 1 to 2 pounds per day. You can take it with or after a meal. Your doctor may adjust your dose every few days.

This is a plain-language summary of ethacrynic acid's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

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.

This is a plain-language summary of ethacrynic acid's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

This is a plain-language summary of ethacrynic acid's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature (77°F), but it is ok to be between 59° to 86°F.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 520 FDA adverse event reports.

Drug reaction with increased white blood cells and body-wide symptoms

59
Feeling sick to your stomach

43
Difficulty breathing

42
Sudden damage to the kidneys

33
Tiredness

32
Loose, watery stools

31
Throwing up

31
Allergic reaction to the medicine

28
Weakness

25
Death

24

What this shows Bars show how often each reaction was reported, not how likely it is to happen, a report records a temporal association, never proof that the drug caused it.

Reports over time

Adverse-event reports filed for ethacrynic acid each year to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

Year-to-year volume tracks usage, prescribing, and scrutiny, not a change in per-patient risk. Source: FDA FAERS.

Where ethacrynic acid sits

ethacrynic acid has more FDA adverse-event reports than 3% of the drugs FAERS tracks. A high position reflects how widely a drug is used and watched, not how dangerous it is.

fewest reports most reports

Percentile across all drugs PlainMeds tracks by FAERS report volume. The dot is ethacrynic acid; the line is the median (50th percentile).

FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis

Detailed analysis of 520 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 1997–2025.

Total Reports

520

Reports Mentioning Death

12.3% of reports — not proof of cause

Hospitalization Reports

212

Top Indication

Product Used For Unknown Indication

Gender Distribution

Female 295 (61%)

Male 188 (39%)

Age Distribution

0–17 17

18–44 41

45–64 85

65–74 132

75+ 106

Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)

#	Reaction	Reports
1	DRUG REACTION WITH EOSINOPHILIA AND SYSTEMIC SYMPTOMS	59
3	NAUSEA	43
4	DYSPNOEA	42
6	ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY	33
7	FATIGUE	32
8	DIARRHOEA	31
9	VOMITING	31
10	DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY	28
11	ASTHENIA	25
12	DEATH	24
13	WEIGHT DECREASED	24
14	DIZZINESS	23
15	HEADACHE	23
16	MALAISE	23
17	HYPOTENSION	21

Reactions in Death Reports

DEATH 24

FATIGUE 9

PYREXIA 9

CONSTIPATION 6

RESPIRATORY DISTRESS 6

TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS 6

VOMITING 6

ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY 5

APLASIA PURE RED CELL 5

ASPIRATION 5

Reactions in Hospitalization Reports

DRUG REACTION WITH EOSINOPHILIA AND SYSTEMIC SYMPTOMS 46

PNEUMONIA 19

ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY 18

DIARRHOEA 18

DYSPNOEA 18

DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY 17

FATIGUE 16

NAUSEA 14

MALAISE 13

ASTHENIA 12

Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation

Serious Warnings

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.

Known Drug Interactions

moderate lithium

Drug Interactions Lithium generally should not be given with diuretics because they reduce its renal clearance and add a high risk of lithium toxicity. Read circulars for lithium preparations before use of such concomitant therapy.

Mechanism: Ethacrynic acid makes it harder for the kidneys to remove lithium from the body. This can cause lithium to build up to dangerous levels.

What to do: Avoid taking these two drugs together. If they must be used, your doctor should monitor your lithium levels very closely.

minor warfarin

A number of drugs, including ethacrynic acid, have been shown to displace warfarin from plasma protein; a reduction in the usual anticoagulant dosage may be required in patients receiving both drugs.

Mechanism: Ethacrynic acid knocks warfarin off the proteins it usually sticks to in your blood. This leaves more active warfarin in your system, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

What to do: Your doctor may need to reduce your warfarin dose and check your blood clotting time more often.

minor fludrocortisone

Amphotericin B or potassium-depleting diuretics (benzothiadiazines and related drugs, ethacrynic acid and furosemide) – enhanced hypokalemia.

Mechanism: Both drugs cause the body to get rid of potassium through the urine. This can lead to very low potassium levels in your blood.

What to do: Your doctor should check your blood potassium levels often and may suggest a supplement if needed.

minor furosemide

Furosemide should not be used concomitantly with ethacrynic acid because of the possibility of ototoxicity.

Mechanism: Using these two medicines together can increase the risk of hearing loss or ear damage.

What to do: Do not take these two medications at the same time.

minor torsemide

7.6 Ototoxic Drugs Loop diuretics increase the ototoxic potential of other ototoxic drugs, including aminoglycoside antibiotics and ethacrynic acid.

Mechanism: Both drugs can be harmful to your ears. Taking them together increases the chance of hearing loss or balance problems.

What to do: Use this combination with caution and tell your doctor right away if you notice ringing in your ears or hearing changes.

This is a plain-language summary of interactions documented in FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before combining medications.

Common Questions

Can I take Edecrin if I have kidney problems?

You should not take Edecrin if you are unable to urinate. If you have severe, progressive kidney disease, your doctor will monitor you closely.

What should I do if I get diarrhea while taking Edecrin?

If you develop severe, watery diarrhea, stop taking Edecrin and contact your doctor.

Can Edecrin affect my hearing?

Yes, Edecrin can sometimes cause hearing problems, including deafness, ringing in the ears, and dizziness.

How quickly will Edecrin start working?

You should start to lose weight gradually, about 1 to 2 pounds per day.

Can I take Edecrin with other diuretics?

Edecrin can have additive effects when used with other diuretics. Your doctor will determine if this is safe for you.

What if I am allergic to Edecrin?

You should not take Edecrin if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Will Edecrin affect my blood sugar?

Edecrin can affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely.

Can Edecrin cause gout?

Yes, Edecrin can increase uric acid levels in your blood, which can trigger gout.

Does Edecrin interact with other medications?

Yes, Edecrin can interact with several medications, including lithium, some antibiotics, and blood thinners. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.

How will my doctor monitor me while I am taking Edecrin?

Your doctor will monitor your weight, electrolytes, and kidney function to make sure the medicine is working safely and effectively.

What are the common side effects of ethacrynic acid?

The most commonly reported side effects of ethacrynic acid include Loss of appetite, Feeling unwell, Stomach discomfort or pain, Difficulty swallowing, Nausea. Based on 520 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

Does ethacrynic acid interact with other medications?

Yes, ethacrynic acid has 5 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include lithium, warfarin, fludrocortisone. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

What drug class is ethacrynic acid?

ethacrynic acid belongs to the Loop Diuretic drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). This medicine treats swelling (edema) caused by heart failure, liver problems like cirrhosis, and kidney disease.

Is ethacrynic acid safe during pregnancy?

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. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Related Medications in Loop Diuretic

Other drugs grouped near ethacrynic acid - same-class peers and common alternatives.

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