e-TOE-doe-lak
NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may be increased in patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Etodolac is contraindicated for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of CABG surgery. NSAIDs can also cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events especially in the elderly, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Lodine
- Lodine XL
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
- Capsule
- Tablet, Extended Release
Therapeutic Class: Analgesic
Pharmacologic Class: NSAID
Chemical Class: Acetic Acid (class)
Uses For etodolac
Etodolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild to moderate pain, and helps to relieve symptoms of arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. However, etodolac does not cure arthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to take it .
etodolac is available only with your doctor's prescription .
Before Using etodolac
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For etodolac, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to etodolac or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of etodolac capsules and tablets in children below 18 years of age. No studies have also been done on the relationship of etodolac extended-release tablets in children below 6 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established in these age groups .
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of etodolac in the elderly. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of etodolac than younger adults, and are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require adjustment of dosage in patients receiving etodolac .
Pregnancy
| Pregnancy Category | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| All Trimesters | C | Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women. |
Breast Feeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking etodolac, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using etodolac with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Ketorolac
- Pentoxifylline
Using etodolac with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abciximab
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Beta Glucan
- Bivalirudin
- Certoparin
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clopidogrel
- Clovoxamine
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Desirudin
- Dipyridamole
- Enoxaparin
- Escitalopram
- Femoxetine
- Flesinoxan
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Ginkgo
- Heparin
- Lepirudin
- Methotrexate
- Nadroparin
- Nefazodone
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pemetrexed
- Protein C
- Reviparin
- Rivaroxaban
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Tacrolimus
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Vilazodone
- Zimeldine
Using etodolac with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acebutolol
- Acenocoumarol
- Acetohexamide
- Alacepril
- Alprenolol
- Amiloride
- Arotinolol
- Atenolol
- Azilsartan Medoxomil
- Azosemide
- Befunolol
- Bemetizide
- Benazepril
- Bendroflumethiazide
- Benzthiazide
- Betaxolol
- Bevantolol
- Bisoprolol
- Bopindolol
- Bucindolol
- Bumetanide
- Bupranolol
- Buthiazide
- Candesartan Cilexetil
- Canrenoate
- Captopril
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Chlorothiazide
- Chlorpropamide
- Chlorthalidone
- Cilazapril
- Clopamide
- Cyclopenthiazide
- Cyclosporine
- Delapril
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dicumarol
- Dilevalol
- Duloxetine
- Enalaprilat
- Enalapril Maleate
- Eprosartan
- Esmolol
- Ethacrynic Acid
- Fosinopril
- Furosemide
- Gliclazide
- Glimepiride
- Glipizide
- Gliquidone
- Glyburide
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Imidapril
- Indapamide
- Irbesartan
- Labetalol
- Landiolol
- Levobetaxolol
- Levobunolol
- Lisinopril
- Losartan
- Mepindolol
- Methyclothiazide
- Metipranolol
- Metolazone
- Metoprolol
- Milnacipran
- Moexipril
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Nipradilol
- Olmesartan Medoxomil
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Pentopril
- Perindopril
- Phenprocoumon
- Pindolol
- Piretanide
- Polythiazide
- Propranolol
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Sotalol
- Spirapril
- Spironolactone
- Talinolol
- Tasosartan
- Telmisartan
- Temocapril
- Tertatolol
- Timolol
- Tolazamide
- Tolbutamide
- Torsemide
- Trandolapril
- Triamterene
- Trichlormethiazide
- Valsartan
- Venlafaxine
- Xipamide
- Zofenopril
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of etodolac. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Anemia or
- Asthma or
- Bleeding problems or
- Blood clots or
- Edema (fluid retention or body swelling) or
- Heart attack, history of or
- Heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure) or
- High blood pressure or
- Kidney disease or
- Liver disease (e.g., hepatitis) or
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding or
- Stroke, history of—Use with caution. etodolac may make these conditions worse .
- Aspirin sensitivity, history of—etodolac should NOT be used in patients with this condition .
- Heart surgery (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft [CABG] surgery)—etodolac should NOT be used to relieve pain right before or after the surgery .
Proper Use of etodolac
For safe and effective use of etodolac, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than ordered by your doctor. Taking too much of etodolac may increase the chance of unwanted effects, especially in elderly patients .
When used for severe or continuing arthritis, etodolac must be taken regularly as ordered by your doctor in order for it to help you. etodolac usually begins to work within one week, but in severe cases up to two weeks or even longer may pass before you begin to feel better. Also, several weeks may pass before you feel the full effects of etodolac.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Dosing
The dose of etodolac will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of etodolac. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For acute pain:
- For oral dosage form (capsules or tablets):
- Adults—200 to 400 milligrams (mg) every 6 to 8 hours. However, the dose usually is not more than 1000 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- For oral dosage form (capsules or tablets):
- For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis:
- For oral dosage form (capsules or tablets):
- Adults—300 mg two or three times a day, or 400 or 500 mg two times a day. If you will be taking etodolac for a long time, your doctor may lower your dose to 600 mg once a day. The dose usually is not more than 1000 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- Adults—400 mg to 1000 mg once a day.
- Children 6 to 16 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
- Children below 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
- For oral dosage form (capsules or tablets):
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of etodolac, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Precautions While Using etodolac
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects .
etodolac may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease. People who use etodolac for a long time might also have a higher risk .
etodolac may cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. These problems can happen without warning signs. This is more likely if you have had a stomach ulcer in the past, if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, if you are over 60 years old, if you are in poor health, or if you are using certain other medicines (a steroid or a blood thinner) .
Serious skin reactions can occur during treatment with etodolac. Check with your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms while taking etodolac: blistering, peeling, loosening of skin, chills, cough, diarrhea, fever, itching, joint or muscle pain, red skin lesions, sore throat, sores ulcers, white spots in mouth or on lips, or unusual tiredness or weakness .
Possible warning signs of some serious side effects that can occur during treatment with etodolac may include swelling of the face, fingers, feet, and/or lower legs; severe stomach pain, black, tarry stools, and/or vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; unusual weight gain; yellow skin or eyes; decreased urination; unusual bleeding or bruising; and/or skin rash. Also, signs of serious heart problems could occur such as chest pain, tightness in chest, fast or irregular heartbeat, unusual flushing or warmth of skin, weakness, or slurring of speech. Stop taking etodolac and check with your doctor immediately if you notice any of these warning signs .
etodolac may also cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Although this is rare, it may occur more often in patients who are allergic to aspirin or to any of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention. The most serious signs of this reaction are very fast or irregular breathing, gasping for breath, wheezing, or fainting. Other signs may include changes in color of the skin of the face; very fast but irregular heartbeat or pulse; hive-like swellings on the skin; and puffiness or swellings of the eyelids or around the eyes. If these effects occur, get emergency help at once .
Using etodolac while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away .
Before having any kind of surgery or medical tests, tell your doctor that you are taking etodolac. It may be necessary for you to stop treatment for a while, or to change to a different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug before your procedure .
etodolac Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
- Abdominal or stomach bloating, burning, cramping, or pain
- belching
- bloody or black, tarry stools
- blurred vision
- body aches or pain
- cloudy urine
- congestion
- constipation
- cough or hoarseness
- decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- dryness or soreness of throat
- feeling of indigestion
- fever or chills
- headache
- increased bleeding time
- itching skin
- loss of appetite
- lower back or side pain
- nausea and vomiting
- nervousness
- pain in the chest below the breastbone
- painful or difficult urination
- pale skin
- pounding in the ears
- rash
- runny nose
- severe stomach pain
- slow or fast heartbeat
- swelling
- tender, swollen glands in neck
- trouble in swallowing
- troubled breathing with exertion
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- voice changes
- vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- weight loss
- Agitation
- change in consciousness
- confusion
- depression
- difficult or troubled breathing
- hives
- hostility
- irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
- irritability
- loss of consciousness
- muscle twitching
- pain or discomfort in chest, upper stomach, or throat
- pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- rapid weight gain
- seizures
- shortness of breath
- sleepiness
- stupor
- swelling of face, ankles, or hands
- tightness in chest
- unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness
- wheezing
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Bloated, full feeling
- continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
- excess air or gas in stomach or intestines
- hearing loss
- lack or loss of strength
- passing gas
- sneezing
- stuffy nose
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: etodolac side effects (in more detail)
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More etodolac resources
- Etodolac Side Effects (in more detail)
- Etodolac Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Etodolac Drug Interactions
- Etodolac Support Group
- 17 Reviews for Etodolac - Add your own review/rating
- Etodolac Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Etodolac Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Etodolac Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Etodolac MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Lodine Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Lodine Consumer Overview
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