Ethacrynic Acid

Drug #284

Ethacrynic Acid is an antihypertensive agent. Ethacrynic Acid is a prototype drug of Loop Diuretics. Loop diuretics have a much greater diuretic effects than the thiazides. Ethacrynic Acid is a phenoxyacetic acid derivative containing an adjacent ketone and methylene group. The methylene group forms an adduct with the free sulfhydryl group of cysteine. The cysteine adduct appears to be the active form of the drug. It increases the urination and decreases the amount of water retained in the body. Ethacynic acid is especially useful in patients who require an agent with greater diuretic potential than those commonly employed.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Phenoxyacetic acid.

It belongs to Na-K-Cl triple cotransport inhibitor pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Diuretic Loop pharmacological group.

Molecular Weight: 303.2 · pK_a: 3.5 · Solubility in Water: very slightly soluble · Solubility in Alcohol: 1 in 1.6 · Non-proprietary name: Ethacrynic Acid.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Ethacrynic Acid has an oral bioavailability is 92.5% (±2.5%).

Distribution: Ethacrynic Acid has a plasma protein binding is 90%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Renal, plasma half-life is 30-60 min, renal excretion is 66%.

Indications

Ethacrynic Acid is primarily indicated in conditions like Ascites in malignancy, Edema caused by nephrotic syndrome, Idiopathic edema, Liver disease associated with ascites, Lymphoedema, Pulmonary edema, Refractory edema in congestive heart failure.

Contraindications

Ethacrynic Acid is contraindicated in conditions like Gout, Anuria, Oliguria, Fluid depletion, Renal failure associated with hepatic coma.

Dosage

Ethacrynic Acid's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
37.5 mg	37.5 mg	Every 24h	IV	If necessory, maintanance Acute pulmonary edema.
50 – 1 mg	—	—	PO	In edema Initially
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
2.5 mg/kg	2.5 mg/kg	Every 24h	Oral	Can be Increased as per requirement ,avoid below 2 Yrs
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
0 – 0	—	—		Avid under 2 yrs.

Drug Interactions

Unknown15 interactions

6 interactions

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Ethacrynic Acid in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Hallucinations , Thrombocytopenia , Hallucinations , Jaundice , Jaundice , Acute pancreatitis , Acute pancreatitis , Hyperglycemia , Mania , Hypoglycemia, Hyperglycemia.

Ethacrynic Acid produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Electrolyte disturbances, Ototoxicity, Gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Careful monitoring is needed with proper medical management.

The signs and symptoms that are produced after acute overdosage of Ethacrynic Acid are Postural hypotension, Sodium and fluid depletion.

Ethacrynic Acid is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal discomfort, Anorexia , Diarrhea, GI hemorrhage, Nausea, Urinary retensionX, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

Ethacrynic acid should be used with caution in patients with history especially of kidney problems, unusual decrease in urine output, liver disease and of any drug allergy. This drug can reduce the potassium levels in blood, so take potassium supplements. It should be used with caution during pregnancy or lactation.

Interference in Pathology

Ethacrynic Acid may interfere in the diagnosis of False decrease in urinary cortisol in fluorometric tests .

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Ethacrynic Acid should be stored Inj (reconstituted soln) . Powder for Inj. Tab.

Drug Classification

1.16.2 — Loop diuretics