O General Information and Indications:
Etodolac is used to relieve the pain,
tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis
and rheumatoid arthritis. Short-acting etodolac (Lodine) also is used to
relieve pain from other causes. Etodolac is in a class of medications called
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). It works by stopping
the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and
inflammation.
O Information For Users:
Etodolac comes as a tablet, a capsule, and an
extended-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. To treat arthritis,
the tablet and capsule are usually taken two to three times a day and the
extended-release tablet is usually taken once a day with food. To relieve
pain from other causes, etodolac is usually taken with food every 6 to 8
hours as needed. To help you remember to take etodolac, take it around the
same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask
your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take etodolac exactly
as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than
prescribed by your health care provider.
Keep the tablets in the original container until you are ready to use them.
Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush
them.
If you are taking etodolac for arthritis, Your doctor might start you on a
low dose of etodolac and slowly increase your dose.
Other uses for this medicine
Etodolac also is used sometimes to treat ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis,
bursitis, painful shoulder, and gout. Talk to your doctor about the possible
risks of using this medication for your condition.
O Special
precautions:
o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have
allergy to etodolac, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil,
Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are
taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood
thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; cyclosporine (Neoral,
Sandimmune); digoxin (Lanoxin); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); and
methotrexate (Rheumatrex). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your
medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
o Inform your doctor if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol and if
you have or have ever had stomach problems such as ulcers; asthma; swelling
of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs (fluid retention); high blood
pressure; heart failure; or kidney or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are
breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking etodolac, call your
doctor.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or
dentist that you are taking etodolac.
O
Possible Adverse
Effects:
Etodolac may cause adverse effects. Inform your
doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:
o stomach pain
o diarrhea
o gas or bloating
o upset stomach
o weakness
o dizziness
o depression
o chills
o nervousness
o constipation
o vomiting
o painful or frequent urination
Some adverse effects could be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon,
but if you experience any of them, call your doctor without delay:
o black and tarry stools (Melena)
o red blood in stools
o blood in the vomit (Hematemesis)
o vomiting that looks like coffee grounds
o blurred vision (Impaired vision)
o swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
o unexplained weight gain
o skin rash
o itching
o hives (Urticaria)
o difficulty swallowing or breathing
o yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice
o pale skin
o ringing in the ears
O Possible Symptoms
of Overdose:
o lack of energy
o drowsiness
o upset stomach
o vomiting
o stomach pain
o coma
O Brand Name(s):
o Lodine®
o Lodine® XL |
