Etodolac

Overview
Etodolac, International Nonproprietary Name (INN) of 1,8-diethyl-1,3,4,9-tetrahydropyrano-[3,4-b]indole-1-acetic acid (empirical formula C17H21NO3), also sold under the trade name Lodine is a non-steroidal 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 or General practitioner (GP) to try different NSAIDs for any given condition.

Etodolac is manufacturered by Shire under the tradename Lodine SR. Etodolac is also available as a generic.

Preparations
capsules: 200mg, 300mg; tablets: 400mg, 500mg and XL formulations as 400mg and 600mg.

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 moderate to severe pain, such as with menstrual cramps.

Dosing
Should be taken with food.

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 ciclosporin (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
Etodolac may cause side effects, or Adverse drug reaction. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

constipation, diarrhea, gas or bloating, vomiting, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, runny nose, sore throat, blurred vision.

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, or those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately. Do not take any more etodolac until you speak to your doctor:

unexplained weight gain, swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, fever or chills, blisters, rash, itching, hives, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or 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.

Etodolac may cause other side effects.

Sold under the name Etogesic for veterinary use