Etodolac – Information, Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Drug Trade Name: Etodolac

Category: Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID)

Generic name: etodolac                                                                 

Introduction and Quick Information:

Prostaglandins, a chemical that induces pain and inflammation is produced by an enzyme, known as cyclooxygenase (COX). NSAIDs such as Etodolac block the COX enzyme and reduce the production of prostaglandins, thus relieving pain and inflammation.

Is Etodolac Approved by FDA?

Yes, the U.S FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved Etodolac for the treatment of pain and inflammation.

Usage and Benefits of Etodolac:

Etodolac is used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain and certain inflammatory conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The uses and benefits are what we all look for in a medicine.Etodolac is one such medicine which provides relief to a lot many people with throbbing joints and inflamed knees:

Some other off-label uses of Etodolac include:

• Fibromyalgia symptoms
• Symptoms of Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Symptoms of Gout
• Inflammation or pain caused by other conditions.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus symptoms (SLE for short or lupus)

It is advisable to consult a doctor before using this drug for its off-label uses.

Etodolac Side Effects:

Some commonly seen side-effects of Etodolac include:

• Belching
• abdominal pain or cramps
• blurred vision
• bloody or tarry stools
• cloudy urine
• body aches
• constipation
• congestion
• dizziness
• dry or a sore throat
• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite

If you experience any of these side-effects, contact your doctor.

General Recommended Dosages of Etodolac:

You must consume Etodolac in the dose prescribed by the doctor. Follow the prescribed directions carefully.

Do not chew, crush, or break an extended-release tablet. You have to swallow it as a whole. 

Etodolac may require around 2 weeks to improve your symptoms. Therefore, continue taking the medication to achieve desirable results. Talk to your physician if your symptoms do not improve even after 2 weeks.

If you are on a long-term therapy of Etodolac, you may need regular monitoring to rule out stomach bleeding and other complications associated with the drug.

You should store Etodolac away from heat and moisture and at room temperature.

In Case I Miss the Dose?

Take the missed dose the minute you remember it. However, if its almost time for your next scheduled dose, you can skip the missed dose and proceed with your scheduled dose.

In Case I Take Overdose?

Some common symptoms of Etodolac overdose are drowsiness, coughing up blood, stomach pain, vomiting, bloody or black stools, shallow breathing, nausea, fainting, etc.  If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.

Drug Interactions of Etodolac:

Some of the drugs that may cause complications when taken with Etodolac are as follows.

• digoxin (Lanoxin digitalis, digitalis)
• cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral, Gengraf)
• blood thinner like warfarin (Coumadin)
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith)
• methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex)
• corticosteroids (prednisone, etc)
• diuretic (water pill) like furosemide (Lasix)
• aspirin or any other NSAIDs like diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), indomethacin (Indocin), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ketoprofen (Orudis), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), ketorolac (Toradol), meloxicam (Mobic), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), etc
• ACE inhibitors like captopril (Capoten), benazepril (Lotensin), lisinopril (Prinivil, fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), Zestril), ramipril (Altace), etc

However, you must note that there are several other drugs that may interact with Etodolac. Therefore, inform your physician about all the drugs you are taking.

Lifestyle and Food Habits You Must Follow When on Etodolac:

When on NSAIDs, the gastric irritation is common. Hence, adequate hydration and nutrition are important. Also, inform your doctor if you have:

• a history of bleeding or stomach ulcers
• a history of blood clot, heart attack, or stroke
• congestive heart failure, heart disease or high blood pressure
• kidney or liver disorder
• asthma
• nasal polyps
• allergic to any drug

How Safe Is Etodolac for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?

Use of Etodolac is absolutely contraindicated in the third trimester as it can cause cardiac anomalies in the fetus. Etodolac is also excreted in breastmilk. However, the effect of Etodolac in a nursing infant is not known.

Thus, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating.

Complications and Conditions Possible Due to Prolonged Use of Etodolac:

Addiction liability of Etodolac is not known. Hence, abrupt stoppage of the drug without a prior medical consultation is not recommended.

Availability of Etodolac:

Etodolac is usually available on prescription only and is not available as an over-the-counter drug.