Drug interactions
Ethacrynic acid + Lithium
Severity: Major
Ethacrynic acid and Lithium: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Loop diuretics such as ethacrynic acid can raise serum lithium concentrations and lead to lithium toxicity with tremor, confusion, ataxia and arrhythmias. The risk is greater with sodium depletion or dehydration.
What this interaction means in plain words
Ethacrynic acid and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Ethacrynic acid belongs to Cardiovascular; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Diuretic-induced sodium and volume depletion increases proximal tubular lithium reabsorption and decreases its renal clearance.
What to do
Avoid the combination where possible. If used, monitor serum lithium closely, reduce the lithium dose as needed, and maintain hydration and sodium intake.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Ethacrynic acid
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ethacrynic acid with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Ethacrynic acid and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Loop diuretics such as ethacrynic acid can raise serum lithium concentrations and lead to lithium toxicity with tremor, confusion, ataxia and arrhythmias. The risk is greater with sodium depletion or dehydration.
How serious is the interaction between Ethacrynic acid and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible. If used, monitor serum lithium closely, reduce the lithium dose as needed, and maintain hydration and sodium intake.
What other medicines interact with Ethacrynic acid?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Ethacrynic acid with, for example, Amikacin, Azilsartan-chlorthalidone, Bumetanide. The full list is on the Ethacrynic acid page.
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