Edecrin

Edecrin is a strong "water pill" (diuretic). Using too much of Edecrin can lead to serious water and mineral loss. Therefore, it is important that you be monitored by your doctor. Promptly notify your doctor if you become very thirsty, have a dry mouth, become confused, or develop muscle cramps/weakness.

            Edecrin is used for:

Treating swelling due to congestive heart failure, liver problems, and severe kidney problems. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Edecrin is a loop diuretic. It works by making the kidneys eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes (especially sodium and potassium salts) and water than normal (diuretic effect). It is useful for treating many conditions in which salt and water retention (eg, edema, swelling) is a problem.

Do NOT use Edecrin if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Edecrin or to sulfonamides

you are unable to urinate

you are taking an aminoglycoside antibiotic (eg, gentamicin) or cephalosporin (eg, cephalexin)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Edecrin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Edecrin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have fluid in your abdomen, hearing problems, liver disease, diabetes, low urine output, high blood uric acid levels or gout, a blood disorder, kidney disease, lupus, heart problems or you have had a heart attack, or you are dehydrated

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Edecrin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, indomethacin) because the effectiveness of Edecrin may be decreased

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, captopril), aminoglycosides (eg, gentamicin), cephalosporin (eg, cephalexin), or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because serious side effects to the kidneys (decreased ability to urinate) and ears (hearing loss) may occur

Chloral hydrate or corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) because the risk of side effects, such as excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, stomach bleeding, and changes in blood pressure may be increased

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, or lithium because the side effects may be increased by Edecrin

                      Use Edecrin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Edecrin may be taken with or without food.

When you first start taking Edecrin , it may cause an increase in urine or in frequency of urination. If you are taking 1 dose daily, take it in the morning to prevent Edecrin from affecting your sleep. If you are taking more than 1 dose, take the last dose no later than 6 pm.

If you miss a dose of Edecrin , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

              Edecrin may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Edecrin . Using Edecrin alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Edecrin may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.

Your doctor may have also prescribed a potassium supplement for you. If so, follow the dosing carefully. Do not start taking additional potassium on your own or change your diet to include more potassium without first checking with your doctor.

Patients being treated for high blood pressure often feel tired or rundown for a few weeks after beginning therapy. Continue taking your medicine even though you might not feel quite "normal." Contact your health care provider or pharmacist about any new symptoms.

Patients being treated for high blood pressure should avoid using nonprescription medicines that contain stimulants, such as products used for dieting (appetite suppressants) or relieving cold symptoms (eg, pseudoephedrine).

Edecrin may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Edecrin . Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.

Diabetes patients - Edecrin may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

LAB TESTS, including complete blood cell counts and blood pressure monitoring, may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Use Edecrin with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Caution is advised when using Edecrin in CHILDREN because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Edecrin during pregnancy. It is unknown if Edecrin is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Edecrin .

Possible side effects of Edecrin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; headache; lightheadedness; loss of appetite; nausea; restlessness; tiredness or weakness; upset stomach; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; confusion; diarrhea; drowsiness; dry mouth; excessive urination; fever; hearing loss; loss of appetite; muscle pain/cramps/weakness; muscle spasm; rapid or irregular heartbeat; restlessness; ringing in the ears; seeing a yellow color; seizures; severe dizziness; sudden joint pain; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual thirst; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

         Store Edecrin at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Exposure to light may cause a slight discoloration. Do not take discolored tablets. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Edecrin out of the reach of children and away from pets.