Etacrynic acid
Etacrynic Acid
Etacrynic Acid (pronounced: eh-tuh-KRIN-ik AS-id) is a type of diuretic medication that is primarily used to treat edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and renal disease. It is also known by its brand name, Edecrin.
Etymology
The term "Etacrynic Acid" is derived from the chemical structure of the compound, specifically the ethacrynic acid component. The prefix "eta" is derived from the Greek letter η, which is used in chemistry to denote the seventh in a series. The "crynic" part of the name is derived from the Greek word "kryos", meaning cold, which refers to the crystalline nature of the compound. The "acid" part of the name refers to the compound's acidic properties.
Usage
Etacrynic Acid works by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the kidneys, thereby increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. This in turn helps to reduce swelling and fluid retention in the body.
Related Terms
- Diuretic: A type of medication that helps your body get rid of excess water and salt.
- Edema: A condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.
- Heart Failure: A chronic condition in which the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
- Cirrhosis: Late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions.
- Renal Disease: A broad term that refers to any disease of the kidneys.
Side Effects
Like all medications, Etacrynic Acid can cause side effects. These may include dehydration, hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood), hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood), and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels in the blood).
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Etacrynic acid
- Wikipedia's article - Etacrynic acid
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