Etodolac Uses

Etodolac is often used for general pain relief and the treatment of symptoms associated with various types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis. Occasionally, the medicine may also be used to relieve symptoms of gout, fibromyalgia, or lupus. While etodolac is not approved for children, some healthcare providers may recommend using etodolac to treat symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Etodolac Uses: An Overview

Etodolac (Lodine®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions related to pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness.
 
Specific etodolac uses include:
 
  • 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.
 

How Does It Work?

Etodolac and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) 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, etodolac is useful at reducing pain related to bone, muscle, or tendon injury or inflammation. This can include such things as back pain, foot pain, or leg pain. Blocking prostaglandins also allows etodolac to help alleviate pain and joint swelling associated with different forms of arthritis and other conditions.
 

Can It Be Used in Children?

Etodolac is not approved for use in children.
 
(Etodolac Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;