REOMAX ® is a drug based on etacrinic acid.
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Diuretics / Diuretics with greater diuretic action / Diuretics of the loop
IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects
Indications REOMAX ® Ethacrinic acid
REOMAX ®, like all other drugs belonging to the diuretic category, is indicated in the treatment of diseases characterized by increased water retention. More precisely, it is possible to use REOMAX ® in case of edema of cardiac or renal origin, nephrotic pathologies, cirrhosis, ascites and liver pathologies, chronic renal failure and hypertension.
REOMAX ® for intravenous administration is instead indicated selectively in the treatment of acute pulmonary edema.
Mechanism of action REOMAX ® Ethacrinic acid
REOMAX ® is characterized by a very rapid absorption kinetics and by an equally rapid biological effect. Taken orally, the etacrinic acid is able to act after only 30 minutes, while the timing of action drops dramatically to only 5 minutes in case of intravenous administration. The diuretic action is completed between 2 and 4 hours, to finally disappear approximately 6-8 hours after oral administration.
The biological effect, as a loop diuretic, is due to the ability to inhibit the Sodium-Potassium-Chlorine transporter at the level of the ascending branch of the loop of Henle, thus causing a reduced reabsorption of the aforementioned ions with consequent increase in urinary secretion .
Compared to the other diuretics of the loop, REOMAX ®, more precisely the etacrinic acid, can enhance the diuretic effect of the drug by extending its biological activity also to the distal and proximal nephrons tubules.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1 HEPACRINIC ACID AND PULMONARY EDEM
This study shows the therapeutic efficacy of etacrinic acid, the active ingredient of REOMAX, in the treatment of severe pulmonary edema. In fact, the aforementioned compound was effective where previous treatment with furosemide had failed. The study therefore emphasizes the importance of using etacrinic acid as a diuretic of last resort, especially in geriatric practice.
2. HEPACRINIC ACID and ACUTE HEART RATE
One of the main therapeutic approaches to the treatment of acute heart failure is the administration of diuretics. The loop diuretics, such as furosemide or etacrinic acid, have proven to be particularly effective for the immediate dilation effect at the venous level, with a consequent decrease in the filling pressure of the left ventricle and reduction of the symptoms of pulmonary congestion, which precede over time the diuretic effect. The etacrinico acid, compared to the furosemide, has the enormous advantage of the absence of sulfonamide domains, which allows its administration also in sensitive patients.
3. HEPACRINIC ACID and LEUKEMIA
First experimental evidence suggests the etacrinico acid as a potential anticancer drug. More precisely, the active ingredient used for years as a diuretic has been shown to selectively inhibit the development and proliferation of tumor cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acting on the molecular mechanisms of proliferation and apoptosis. These results, observed for the moment only in vitro, require an experimental confirmation on in vivo models.
Method of use and dosage
REOMAX ® 50 mg tablets of etacrinic acid: we recommend taking 1 tablet a day, possibly in the morning on a full stomach.
REOMAX ® vials of 50mg / 20ml of etacrinic acid: the sufficient dose should be one vial per day, but its use is exclusively hospital type.
The doses of REOMAX ® must necessarily be adapted to the profile of each individual patient and to the severity of his pathology, therefore medical supervision is necessary.
Warnings REOMAX ® Ethacrinic acid
The high diuretic effect of REOMAX ® could induce a deep diuresis inevitably accompanied by a significant loss of electrolytes and consequent dehydration. The effects of hypokalemia, hyponatremia and dehydration result in weakness, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, asthenia and hypotensive crisis. It is therefore necessary, before resorting to the use of REOMAX ® during therapy (especially if continued for prolonged periods), to continuously monitor the levels of potassium, natremia, uricemia, creatininemia and lipidemia, correcting them - if necessary - before starting therapeutic plan, to then support them in the treatment period.
Although REOMAX ® does not directly interfere with the ability to drive and use machines, as reported in the illustrative leaflet, it is always necessary to consider that the possible and unpredictable hypotensive effects of diuretics could cause a decrease in perceptive and reactive capacities.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
The use of the drug during the period of pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.
Interactions
REOMAX ® and more precisely its active ingredient, can determine an increase in the toxicity of drugs such as:
- Aminoglucosidic antibiotics;
- Cisplatin and lithium, with an increased cardio and neuro-toxic effect;
- Curaro, with strengthening of myorelaxing action;
- High dose salicylates;
- Mineralcorticoids and corticosteroids, with increased risk of hypokalaemia.
Furthermore, the hypotensive and hypomineralizing effect could be enhanced by the simultaneous use of other drugs with diuretic action.
Contraindications REOMAX ® Ethacrinic acid
It would be necessary to avoid taking REOMAX ® in case of hypersensitivity to one of its components, in case of gout, anuria, hepatic precoma and digital poisoning.
Undesirable effects - Side effects
The loss of minerals and the hypotensive effects observable following the administration of REOMAX ® could cause abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, dysphagia, vomiting and diarrhea.
Furthermore, at high doses REOMAX ® could be responsible for severe dehydration and haemoconcentration, with consequent hyperuricemia, increased urinary excretion of urates and acute attacks of gout.
The concomitant administration of ototoxic drugs and REOMAX ® intravenously resulted in reversible deafness and vertigo in some cases.
Rumors of various kinds have instead been observed in patients with severe renal dysfunction.
Note
REOMAX ® is salable only under medical prescription.
The use of REOMAX ® should always take place after consulting your doctor.
The indiscriminate use of REOMAX ® for the simple search for the loss of a few pounds, exposes the body to serious side effects. It is also always advisable to reiterate that weight loss in this case is dictated by the elimination of liquids and salts and not by a real weight loss effect, understood as a loss of fat mass.
