GENERIC NAME: etodolac
BRAND NAME: Lodine
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Etodolac is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective in treating fever, pain, and
inflammation in the body. As a group, NSAIDs are non-narcotic relievers of mild
to moderate pain of many causes, including injury, menstrual cramps,
arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Since the
response to
different NSAIDs varies from patient to patient, it is not
unusual for a
doctor to try different NSAIDs for any given condition.
PRESCRIPTION: yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes
PREPARATIONS: capsules: 200mg, 300mg; tablets: 400mg,
500mg and
XL formulations as 400mg and 600mg.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature and avoid moisture.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Etodolac is used for the treatment of
inflammation and pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis as
well as soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis and bursitis.
Etodolac is
also used for rapid relief of mild to moderate pain, such as
with
menstrual cramps.
DOSING: Should be taken with food.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Etodolac should be avoided by
patients with a
history of asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic reactions
to aspirin
or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions have been
reported in
such individuals. It also should be avoided by patients with
peptic ulcer
disease or poor kidney function, since this medication can
aggravate both
conditions. Etodolac is generally used with caution in patients
taking
blood thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin),
because of increased risk of bleeding. Patients taking lithium
can develop
toxic blood lithium levels. Patients also taking cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
can develop kidney toxicity. Use in children has not been
adequately
studied. Etodolac is not habit forming. NSAIDs should be
discontinued
prior to elective surgery because of a mild interference with
clotting
that is characteristic of this group of medicines. Etodolac is
best
discontinued at least four days in advance of the procedure.
Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day are at
increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking
etodolac or other
NSAIDs.
PREGNANCY: Etodolac is generally avoided during
pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Etodolac is generally avoided in
nursing
mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: Most patients benefit from etodolac and
other NSAIDs with few side effects. However, serious side effects can occur, and
generally tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is desirable to use the lowest
effective dose to minimize side effects. The most common side effects of
etodolac involve the gastrointestinal system. It can cause ulcerations,
abdominal burning, pain, cramping, nausea, gastritis, and even serious
gastrointestinal bleeding and liver toxicity. Sometimes, stomach ulceration and
bleeding can occur without any abdominal pain. Black tarry stools, weakness, and
dizziness upon standing may be the only signs of internal bleeding. Rash, kidney impairment, ringing in
the ears,
and lightheadedness can also occur.
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission). Source:MedicineNet
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Ulcers - Source:MedicineNet
- Read 36 more etodolac related articles ...
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Back to Medications IndexLast Editorial Review: 12/31/1997
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