ETODOLAC - ORAL (Lodine) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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ETODOLAC-ORAL Index

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GENERIC NAME: ETODOLAC - ORAL (e-toe-DOE-lac)

BRAND NAME(S): Lodine

USES: Etodolac is used to relieve pain from various conditions. It also reduces pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from arthritis. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medication, take it with food, milk, or an antacid. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than recommended because this may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. If you use this medication for migraine headache, and the pain is not relieved or worsens after the first dose, tell your doctor immediately. If you are taking this drug on an "as needed" basis (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has significantly worsened, the medicine may not work as well. In certain conditions (e.g., arthritis), it may take up to two weeks, taken regularly, before the full benefits of this drug take effect. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, nausea, constipation, fatigue, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: stomach pain, swelling of the hands or feet, sudden or unexplained weight gain, vision changes, ringing in the ears, mental/mood changes, fast/pounding heartbeat, persistent/severe headache, fainting. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in amount of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), unexplained stiff neck. This drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking etodolac and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. If you notice any of the following highly unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking etodolac and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: yellowing eyes and skin, dark urine, unusual/extreme tiredness, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.