Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Etodolac is indicated for the management of pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Etodolac tablets and capsules can alleviate pain arising from other etiologies. This medication belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and operates by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for causing pain, fever, and inflammation.
Uses and Dosage
Follow the directions of your healthcare provider regarding the administration of this medication. It is usually taken 2 to 4 times daily, and always with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters), unless advised otherwise.
After taking the medication, refrain from lying down for at least 10 minutes. If stomach upset occurs, take this medication with food, milk, or an antacid.
Your dosage will be determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To minimize the risk of adverse events such as stomach bleeding, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage or use this medication more frequently or for longer than instructed.
For certain conditions, such as arthritis, it may take up to 2 weeks of regular medication use to achieve maximum therapeutic effect.
If you are using this medication on an as-needed basis, take it at the onset of pain for optimal efficacy. Waiting until the pain becomes more severe may diminish the medication’s effectiveness.
Inform your physician if your condition worsens.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- gas or bloating
- vomiting
- headache
- dizziness
- ringing in the ears
- runny nose
- sore throat
- blurred vision
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- unexplained weight gain
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- swelling of the abdomen, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, or hands
- fever or chills
- blisters
- rash
- itching
- hives
- hoarseness
- difficulty swallowing
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- excessive tiredness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- lack of energy
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- flu-like symptoms
- pale skin
- fast heartbeat
- cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
- difficult or painful urination
- back pain
Caution
Prior to taking etodolac, inform your doctor or pharmacist of any allergies you may have, including allergies to etodolac, aspirin, or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or celecoxib. This product may contain inactive components that can cause allergic reactions or other issues.
Before taking this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have asthma, blood disorders, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, stroke, swelling (edema or fluid retention), or stomach/intestinal/esophagus problems (such as bleeding, heartburn, ulcers).
Use of NSAID medications such as etodolac can sometimes cause kidney problems. This is more likely to occur if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you take certain medications. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor and contact your doctor immediately if you experience pink/bloody urine or any unusual changes in the amount of urine.
This medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Alcohol or marijuana may exacerbate these effects. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you can do so safely.
This medication can cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol and tobacco, especially when combined with this medication, can increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Avoid or limit your consumption of alcohol and stop smoking.
This medication may increase your sensitivity to the sun. Limit your time in the sun, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience sunburn or skin blisters/redness.
Older adults may be at greater risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke while using this drug.
Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should discuss the benefits and risks with their doctor. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
This medication may harm an unborn baby and cause problems with normal labor/delivery. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy from 20 weeks until delivery. If your doctor decides that you need to use this medication between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, you should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. You should not use this medication after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Lodine is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
etodolac capsule:
- 300mg
- 400mg
FAQ
Can I take Lodine on an empty stomach?
It is best to take your doses with food, such as with a snack or at a mealtime. This is because the food in your stomach will help to protect from side-effects such as indigestion and stomach irritation.
Can I take Lodine and Advil together?
Using ibuprofen together with Lodine is generally not recommended. Combining these medications may increase the risk of side effects in the gastrointestinal tract such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and rarely, perforation.
Resources
- https://patient.info/medicine/etodolac-for-pain-and-inflammation-lodine-etolyn-etopan#:~:text=It%20is%20best%20to%20take%20your%20doses%20with%20food%2C%20such,your%20next%20dose%20is%20due
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a692015.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-211/lodine-oral/details
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/etodolac
- https://www.drugs.com/lodine.html
