Ethacrynic Acid Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 31, 2025.

Applies to ethacrynic acid: oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous powder for solution

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

• Frequency not reported: Urinary urate excretion decreased, hematuria^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Jaundice, abnormal liver function tests^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Apprehension, confusion^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Local irritation, local pain^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision^[Ref]

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.

Medical Disclaimer