Etacrynic acid is a diuretic used to treat ascites and edema in congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and renal disease. A compound that inhibits symport of sodium, potassium, and chloride primarily in the ascending limb of Henle, but also in the proximal and distal tubules.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Ethacrynic acid inhibits symport of sodium, potassium, and chloride primarily in the ascending limb of Henle, but also in the proximal and distal tubules. This pharmacological action results in excretion of these ions, increased urinary output, and reduction in extracellular fluid. Diuretics also lower blood pressure initially by reducing plasma and extracellular fluid volume; cardiac output also decreases, explaining its antihypertensive action. Eventually, cardiac output returns to normal with an accompanying decrease in peripheral resistance. Its mode of action does not involve carbonic anhydrase inhibition.
- Primary indication
- For the treatment of high blood pressure and edema caused by diseases like congestive heart failure, liver failure, and kidney failure.Curator reviewed · 7 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C13H12Cl2O4 · 303.138 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2017 · United States, 1967
- Also known as
- Etacrinic acid · Ethacrynate · Ethacrynic acid · Methylenebutyrylphenoxyacetic acid
- Code names
- MK-595 · NSC-85791
- Brand names
Resolves to
AVOLMBLBETYQHX-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCCC(=C)C(=O)C1=C(Cl)C(Cl)=C(OCC(O)=O)C=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Etacrynic acid, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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