ETODOLAC

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lodine XL

GENERIC NAME(S): ETODOLAC

Description: Etodolac is an NSAID derived from pyrano-indoleacetic acid that reduces symptoms of inflammation.
Onset: Analgesic: 2-4 hrs.

Uses

This medication reduces symptoms from arthritis (pain, swelling, and joint stiffness) and treat gout attacks. Etodolac is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that blocks your body’s production of certain natural substances that cause inflammation.

How to use etodolac

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using etodolac and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters). Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. To prevent stomach upset, take this medication with food, milk, or an antacid.

Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer time than prescribed.

It may take up to two weeks of taking this drug regularly until you get the full benefit.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Warnings

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (including etodolac) may rarely increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke.

This drug may infrequently cause serious (rarely fatal) bleeding from the stomach or intestines.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the benefits and risks of taking this drug.

Side Effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen:

Upset stomach
Nausea
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Dizziness

This medication may raise your blood pressure.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

easy bruising/bleeding
difficult/painful swallowing
hearing changes (such as ringing in the ears)
mental/mood changes
swelling of the ankles/feet/hands
sudden/unexplained weight gain
change in the amount of urine
unexplained stiff neck
vision changes
unusual tiredness

This drug may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease.

Stop taking etodolac and get medical help right away if you notice any of these rare but serious side effects:

black/tarry stools
persistent stomach/abdominal pain
vomit that looks like coffee grounds
chest/jaw/left arm pain
shortness of breath
unusual sweating
confusion
weakness on one side of the body
slurred speech
sudden vision changes

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Precautions

Allergic reaction to this medication.
Patients with medical history of:
- asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs)
- blood disorders (such as anemia, bleeding/clotting problems)
- growths in the nose (nasal polyps)
- heart disease (such as previous heart attack)
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- stroke
- throat/stomach/intestinal problems (such as bleeding, heartburn, ulcers)

Kidney problems can sometimes occur.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.
May cause stomach bleeding.
May make you more sensitive to the sun.
Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery.
Older adults may be more sensitive to tomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, and worsening heart problems.
Used only when clearly needed during pregnancy
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

Interactions

Products that may interact with this drug include:

aliskiren
ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril)
angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as losartan, valsartan)
cidofovir, corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
lithium
“water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide)

This medication may affect certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe stomach pain, trouble breathing, extreme drowsiness.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, complete blood count, liver/kidney function) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Lifestyle changes (such as weight loss if overweight, strengthening/conditioning exercises) may help improve your flexibility and joint function. Consult your doctor for specific instructions.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Brands

Also marketed as

Etoflam [ Standard Chem ]