Etodolac (
Lodine®) is in a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (
NSAIDs). It is used to reduce pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness caused by several conditions.
It is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
Etodolac has been licensed for the following uses:
- Pain relief, such as for pain following a medical procedure, from muscle strain, or caused by inflammation in a tendon (tendonitis) or bursa (bursitis)
- Relief of osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Relief of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Etodolac is not a cure for these
types of arthritis, however, nor does it slow down the progression of the disease.
Etodolac and other NSAIDs work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins.
By blocking the effects of prostaglandins, the medication is useful at reducing pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of
arthritis and painful conditions.
When and How Do I Take Etodolac?
General considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
- Etodolac comes in tablet or capsule form. It is taken by mouth.
- Your etodolac dosage should be taken with a glass of water. Taking it with milk or food may prevent stomach upset.
- Do not break, chew, or crush the etodolac tablets or capsules.
- When treating osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, it may take several weeks before the full effects of etodolac are felt.
- It is important to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease the chances of developing serious side effects.
- Etodolac should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medicine in your blood.
- For etodolac to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you take it differently from how your healthcare provider recommends.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(The side effects listed below are not a complete list of possible side effects with etodolac. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
Common side effects of etodolac include:
- Heartburn or indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Tiredness or weakness.
Less common but more serious side effects include:
- Cardiovascular problems, including a heart attack or stroke
- Stomach or intestinal problems, including bleeding, ulcers, or a hole (known as a perforation)
- Liver damage
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Fluid retention
- Congestive heart failure
- Allergic reaction
- Unexplained rash.
These side effects are possible with all
NSAIDs and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using
NSAIDs other than aspirin, including etodolac, may be at higher risk for
heart attack or
stroke than those who do not take NSAIDs. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time. These events can occur without warning and can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or ever have had any of the following:
You should also talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking etodolac if you have:
- Asthma
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Bleeding problems or are taking medicine that decreases the blood's ability to clot
- Diabetes
- Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of either condition
- Any allergies to medicines, including aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Let your healthcare provider know if you:
- Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant (see Lodine and Pregnancy)
- Are breastfeeding
- Drink alcohol frequently
- Smoke
- Are having or have recently had heart surgery.
Also tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may currently be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much etodolac may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Excessive sleepiness.
If you happen to overdose on etodolac, seek immediate medical attention.
Etodolac should be stored at room temperature. The tablets or capsules should be kept in an airtight container.
As always, keep etodolac and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Etodolac?
If you do not take your etodolac as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
Etodolac is available in several strengths, including:
- Etodolac 200 mg capsules
- Etodolac 300 mg capsules
- Etodolac 400 mg tablets
- Etodolac 500 mg tablets.
A generic form of the drug is currently available
(see Generic Etodolac for more information).
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