Edecrin is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." Specifically, the medication is known as a "loop diuretic," named after the part of the kidneys where it acts (the loop of Henle). It works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood, which is then passed out through urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, Edecrin causes a decrease in blood volume. This, in turn, helps with water retention.
Even though Edecrin has not been extensively studied in children, it is approved for use in adolescents and children (but not infants) with heart or kidney problems.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Edecrin for treating a condition other than those listed in this article. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, there are a few off-label uses of Edecrin, including the treatment of: