Ethacrynic Acid Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 31, 2025.
Applies to ethacrynic acid: oral tablet.
Other dosage forms:
Precautions
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. You may also need to weigh yourself daily and record your weight .
This medicine may cause you to lose more potassium from your body than normal. Your doctor will monitor the potassium in your blood while you are taking this medicine. To prevent the loss of too much water and potassium, tell your doctor if you become sick with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Check with your doctor right away if you have one or more of these symptoms: dry mouth; increased thirst; muscle cramps; or nausea or vomiting .
This medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. If you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests, or if you have any questions, check with your doctor .
Serious side effects of ethacrynic acid
Along with its needed effects, ethacrynic acid may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking ethacrynic acid:
Rare side effects
- bleeding gums
- bloating
- clay-colored stools
- constipation
- darkened urine
- indigestion
- itching
- large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- painful knees and ankles
- pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
- pinpoint red spots on skin
- raised red swellings on the skin, the buttocks, legs, or ankles
- skin rash
- unpleasant breath odor
- vomiting of blood
- yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not determined
- anxiety
- black, tarry stools
- blood in urine
- blurred vision
- cold sweats
- coma
- confusion
- convulsions (seizures)
- cool, pale skin
- cough or hoarseness
- depression
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- fast heartbeat
- fever with or without chills
- flushed, dry skin
- fruit-like breath odor
- general feeling of tiredness or weakness
- headache
- increased hunger
- increased thirst
- increased urination
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- lower back, side, or stomach pain
- nausea
- nervousness
- nightmares
- painful or difficult urination
- pale skin
- shakiness
- shortness of breath
- slurred speech
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- sweating
- swelling of the feet or lower legs
- troubled breathing
- unexplained weight loss
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- watery and severe diarrhea
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking ethacrynic acid:
Symptoms of overdose
- confusion
- decreased urination
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
- increase in heart rate
- irregular heartbeat
- muscle cramps or pain
- numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
- rapid breathing
- sunken eyes
- thirst
- trembling
- weakness and heaviness of the legs
- wrinkled skin
Other side effects of ethacrynic acid
Some side effects of ethacrynic acid may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not determined
- continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
- difficulty swallowing
- fear
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- feeling of fullness in the ears
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- hearing loss
- mild diarrhea
- sensation of spinning
- stomach soreness or discomfort
- weight loss
For healthcare professionals
Applies to ethacrynic acid: intravenous powder for injection, oral tablet.
Metabolic adverse events
- Frequency not reported: Anorexia, reversible hyperuricemia, hyperglycemia, acute gout, acute symptomatic hypoglycemia with convulsions, blood glucose increased, glucose tolerance test altered[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Frequency not reported: Abdominal discomfort or pain, dysphagia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, watery profuse diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, acute pancreatitis[Ref]
Nervous system
- Frequency not reported: Deafness, tinnitus, vertigo with fullness in the ears, headache[Ref]
Other
- Frequency not reported: Malaise, fatigue, fever, chills[Ref]
Hematologic
- Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, severe neutropenia, thrombocytopenia[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Frequency not reported: Henoch Schonlein purpura, rash[Ref]
Genitourinary
Hepatic
Psychiatric
- Frequency not reported: Apprehension, confusion[Ref]
Local
- Frequency not reported: Local irritation, local pain[Ref]
Ocular
- Frequency not reported: Blurred vision[Ref]
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References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Edecrin (ethacrynic acid)." Merck & Co., Inc
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
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Professional resources
- Ethacrynic Acid monograph
- Ethacrynate Sodium Injection (FDA)
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Further information
Ethacrynic acid side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.
