What is Etodolac?

Etodolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs help reduce pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammation. Etodolac was previously sold in the United States under the brand name Lodine, and it is now available mainly as a generic medicine.

Approved Uses

In the United States, etodolac is approved to:

• Relieve the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis
• Relieve the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
• Manage acute (short-term) pain (immediate-release forms)
• Relieve the signs and symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children ages 6 to 16 (extended-release tablets)

Other Common Uses

Doctors may also prescribe etodolac for short-term pain related to muscle or joint injuries. These uses should always be directed by a licensed medical specialist.

Available Forms and Strengths

Form	Common Strengths	Notes
Immediate-release capsules	200 mg, 300 mg	Usually taken more than once a day
Immediate-release tablets	400 mg, 600 mg	Usually taken more than once a day
Extended-release tablets	400 mg, 500 mg, 600 mg	Release the medicine slowly; usually taken once a day

Etodolac is a prescription-only medicine. Available strengths can vary by country and manufacturer, so always check the label on your pharmacy package.

What is the Recommended Dosage of Etodolac?

The right dose is different for each person. A licensed medical specialist will decide the dose based on several factors:

• Condition being treated: Dosing for acute pain is different from dosing for arthritis.
• Age: Older adults are often started on lower doses. Dosing in children is based on body weight and is only for specific forms and ages.
• Body weight: This is especially important for children with juvenile arthritis.
• Kidney and liver function: People with reduced kidney or liver function may need a lower dose or may need to avoid etodolac.
• Other health conditions and medicines: Heart disease, high blood pressure, and stomach problems can affect whether etodolac is a safe choice.

Key Safety Points About Dosing

• Take etodolac exactly as prescribed. Do not change your dose or schedule on your own.
• The goal is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.
• Extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew, or split them, because this can release too much medicine at once.
• Taking etodolac with food or milk may help reduce stomach upset.
• Do not take other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin at pain-relief doses, unless your specialist tells you to.

Exact doses are not listed here because they must be set for each individual. Confirm your dose with your prescriber or pharmacist.

How Etodolac Works

The body makes natural chemicals called prostaglandins. They play a role in causing pain, swelling, and inflammation. Enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2 help make prostaglandins.

Etodolac blocks these enzymes, with somewhat more effect on COX-2, the enzyme most involved in inflammation. With fewer prostaglandins, pain and swelling often improve.

Important points to understand:

• Etodolac manages symptoms. It does not cure arthritis or repair joint damage.
• Because COX-1 also helps protect the stomach lining and supports kidney blood flow, NSAIDs can still cause stomach and kidney side effects.
• For arthritis, the full effect on pain and stiffness may take days to a couple of weeks of regular use.

Is a Prescription Required to Buy Etodolac Online?

Yes. Etodolac is a prescription-only medicine in the United States. It is not sold over the counter.

Who to Talk To

Depending on your condition, you may speak with:

• A rheumatologist for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions
• An orthopedic specialist for osteoarthritis or joint and muscle injuries
• A primary care physician or pain management specialist for pain-related concerns
• A pediatric rheumatologist for juvenile arthritis
• A pharmacist for questions about interactions and how to take your medicine

Buying Safely Online

• Purchase only from licensed, accredited pharmacies that require a valid prescription.
• Be cautious of websites that sell etodolac without a prescription. Counterfeit, contaminated, or incorrectly dosed medicines are a real risk.
• Check that packaging is sealed, clearly labeled, and not expired.
• Avoid veterinary products. Etodolac is also used in animals, but animal medicines are not made or approved for human use.

Side Effects of Etodolac

Many people take etodolac without serious problems. Side effects are more likely with higher doses and longer treatment.

Common Side Effects

• Upset stomach, heartburn, or indigestion
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Gas or bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild itching or rash
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Blurred vision

Contact your doctor if a common side effect does not go away or becomes bothersome.

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects are uncommon but can be life-threatening. Stop taking etodolac and get medical help right away if you notice any of the following:

• Black, tarry, or bloody stools
• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
• Severe or persistent stomach pain
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or sudden vision changes (possible signs of heart attack or stroke)
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing (signs of a serious allergic reaction)
• Severe skin rash, blisters, peeling skin, mouth sores, or a rash with fever
• Sudden weight gain, severe swelling, or very little urine (possible kidney problems)
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe tiredness (possible liver problems)
• Unusual bruising or bleeding, or unusual paleness

If you think someone has taken too much etodolac, call a poison control center or emergency services immediately. In the United States, Poison Control can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Interactions

Etodolac can interact with many other medicines. Interactions may raise the risk of bleeding, kidney problems, or high blood pressure, or may change how well a medicine works.

Prescription Medications

• Other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam, or celecoxib): taking two NSAIDs together raises the risk of stomach bleeding and kidney injury.
• Aspirin: Using aspirin with etodolac increases the risk of stomach bleeding. Etodolac may also interfere with the heart-protective effect of low-dose aspirin, so ask your doctor how to use them together.
• Blood thinners (such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, or clopidogrel): bleeding risk increases.
• Blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, and diuretics): etodolac may reduce their effect and may raise the risk of kidney problems.
• Corticosteroids (such as prednisone): higher risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.
• Antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs): higher risk of bleeding.
• Lithium: etodolac can raise lithium levels in the blood.
• Methotrexate: etodolac can increase methotrexate levels and the risk of toxicity.
• Cyclosporine and tacrolimus: higher risk of kidney damage.

Over-the-Counter Medications

• Pain relievers and cold, flu, or sinus products that contain ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin
• Some stomach remedies that contain salicylates, such as bismuth subsalicylate

Supplements and Herbal Products

• Ginkgo biloba, high-dose fish oil, garlic supplements, ginger, and willow bark may increase bleeding risk
• Other herbal products may also interact, even when labeled “natural”

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking etodolac can raise the risk of stomach irritation and bleeding.

Laboratory Tests

Etodolac can cause false-positive results on some urine tests (for example, certain bilirubin and ketone tests). Tell any health care provider who orders tests that you take etodolac.

Tip: Give your licensed medical specialist and pharmacist a complete list of everything you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products.

Safety & Important Considerations

FDA Boxed Warnings

Etodolac carries boxed warnings (the FDA’s strongest warning) about:

• Heart and blood vessel risk: NSAIDs may raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. This risk can happen early in treatment and may be higher with higher doses, longer use, or existing heart disease.
• Stomach and intestinal risk: NSAIDs can cause ulcers, bleeding, and tears in the stomach or intestines. These problems can occur without warning and are more likely in older adults and people with a history of ulcers or bleeding.
• Heart bypass surgery: Etodolac should not be used right before or after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Kidney Disease

Etodolac can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. People with kidney disease, dehydration, or heart failure, and those taking diuretics or blood pressure medicines, should use it only under medical guidance.

Liver Disease

Rarely, NSAIDs can cause liver injury. People with liver disease should check with a doctor first.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Failure

NSAIDs can raise blood pressure and cause the body to hold on to fluid. This may worsen high blood pressure or heart failure.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Pregnancy: The FDA advises that NSAIDs, including etodolac, should generally be avoided at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later, because they may cause rare but serious kidney problems in the unborn baby and low amniotic fluid. Use in the third trimester is not recommended because of risks to the baby’s heart blood vessels. Talk to a doctor before using etodolac at any stage of pregnancy or if you are trying to become pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: There is limited information about etodolac in breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, who may suggest an alternative.

Children

• Immediate-release etodolac has not been established as safe and effective for children in general.
• Extended-release tablets are approved for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children ages 6 to 16, with dosing based on body weight. This should only be directed by a pediatric specialist.

Older Adults

Adults over 65 are at higher risk for stomach bleeding, kidney problems, and heart-related side effects. Lower doses and shorter treatment are often advised.

Monitoring

Depending on your health history and how long you take etodolac, your specialist may check:

• Blood pressure
• Kidney function and liver tests (blood tests)
• Blood counts, especially if you have signs of bleeding or anemia
• Symptoms such as stomach pain, swelling, or changes in urination

Other Precautions

• Etodolac may cause dizziness, tiredness, or blurred vision. Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Etodolac can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight in some people. Use sun protection.
• Rarely, NSAIDs can cause serious skin reactions or a severe allergic reaction, even if you have taken them before without problems.
• Tell all of your health care providers, including your dentist, that you take etodolac before any surgery or procedure.

Who This Medication Is For

Etodolac is generally prescribed for:

• Adults with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis who need relief from pain, stiffness, and swelling
• Adults who need short-term relief from acute pain
• Children ages 6 to 16 with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, using the extended-release form under specialist care

Etodolac is not right for everyone. A licensed medical specialist will decide whether it is a suitable choice based on your health history and other medicines.

Who Should Not Take Etodolac

Do not take etodolac if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction (such as hives, wheezing, or swelling) to etodolac, aspirin, or any other NSAID
• Have a history of asthma, nasal polyps, or breathing problems triggered by aspirin or NSAIDs
• Are about to have or have recently had heart bypass (CABG) surgery
• Have an active stomach or intestinal ulcer or bleeding
• Are in the later stages of pregnancy (see the pregnancy section above)

Talk to your doctor before use if you:

• Have a history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
• Have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Have kidney or liver disease
• Have a bleeding or clotting disorder
• Have asthma or lupus
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Are over age 60
• Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, ideally with food.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.
• Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
• If you take etodolac only as needed for pain, take it only when needed and follow the time between doses on your label.
• If you are unsure what to do, contact your licensed medical specialist or pharmacist.

Related medications to Etodolac

Other medicines may be used for similar conditions. Which one is appropriate depends on your health history, other medications, and the reason for treatment.

• Other NSAIDs: ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam, and celecoxib. These work in a similar way but differ in strength, how long they last, and risk profile.
• Acetaminophen: A pain and fever reducer that is not an NSAID. It does not reduce inflammation, and it must be used carefully to avoid liver injury.
• Topical NSAIDs: Gels or patches may be used for localized joint pain.
• Disease-modifying medicines: For rheumatoid arthritis, specialists may use other medicines that treat the underlying disease rather than only the symptoms.
• Non-medication approaches: Physical therapy, exercise, heat or cold therapy, and weight management may help some people with joint pain.

Do not switch, combine, or stop medications without speaking to a licensed medical specialist. Switching treatments requires a full review of your health history and other medicines.

Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature, generally 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), unless the label says otherwise.
• Keep in a dry place away from moisture. Avoid storing in bathrooms.
• Protect from heat and direct light.
• Keep in the original, tightly closed container.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets. Use child-resistant caps and store medicines in a high, secure location.
• Do not use after the expiration date. Ask a pharmacist about safe ways to dispose of unused or expired medicine, or use a local drug take-back program.

Disclaimer:

This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients and caregivers must consult a licensed medical specialist, such as a rheumatologist, orthopedic specialist, pediatric rheumatologist, or primary care physician, before starting, changing, or stopping treatment with etodolac. Treatment decisions must be based on a full clinical evaluation by a qualified specialist. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call your local emergency number right away.