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Overview: Etodolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and swelling. Common side effects include stomach pain, upset stomach, heartburn, nausea or dizziness. Get help right away if you have chest pain, weakness on one side of the body, severe stomach pain, black or bloody stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or trouble breathing. Etodolac is taken by mouth as a capsule or tablet.

Uses

What is etodolac used for?

Etodolac is commonly used to treat pain and inflammation caused by several conditions, including juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.

Etodolac may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does etodolac work (mechanism of action)?

Etodolac works by blocking certain substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. 

How is etodolac supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Etodolac
  • Lodine

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 400 mg, 500 mg, 600 mg extended-release oral tablets
  • 200 mg, 300 mg oral capsules
  • 400 mg, 500 mg oral tablets

How should I store etodolac?

Etodolac should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of etodolac?

The most common side effects of etodolac are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Upset stomach or stomach pain
  • Constipation or diarrhea 
  • Gas or heartburn
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness 

There may be other side effects of etodolac that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of etodolac?

While less common, the most serious side effects of etodolac are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Heart Attack and Stroke. Etodolac can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk is increased in people with existing heart disease and with longer use of etodolac and higher doses. Do not take etodolac if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your health care provider. This could increase your risk of having another heart attack. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
  • Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Sudden weakness on one side of your body
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech

Severe Allergic Reactions. Etodolac can cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multiorgan hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body, including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Skin Reactions.NSAIDs, including etodolac, can cause rare but serious skin reactions such as exfoliative dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and fixed drug eruption (FDE), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash or blisters, stop taking etodolac and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Painful skin that looks burned or peels off
  • A flat rash or areas of skin discoloration
  • Blisters or sores on the skin, mouth, nose, eyes, or genitals
  • Red, painful, or watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, or muscle aches
  • Darkened patches or blisters that appear in the same place after taking the medicine

Bleeding. Etodolac can increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you have a bleeding disorder or take other medicines that increase your risk of bleeding. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice signs of bleeding including easy bruising or bleeding.

Stomach Bleeding. Etodolac can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers, or bleeding problems, take higher doses of etodolac or take it for longer than directed, have poor health, are age 60 or older, have liver disease, smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain other medicines. Stop taking etodolac and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vomit blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain that does not go away
  • Upset stomach
  • Feel faint

Anemia. Etodolac may cause anemia, which is a condition that causes low levels of red blood cells. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.

  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Pale or yellowish skin 
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Etodolac may increase your blood pressure or worsen it if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. An increase in blood pressure may not be noticeable but look out for any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Trouble breathing
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Blurry or other changes to the vision
  • Anxiety
  • Buzzing in the ears
  • Nosebleed
  • Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking etodolac. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Heart Failure. Etodolac may increase your risk for heart failure. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially while lying down
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs (edema)
  • Unusually fast weight gain
  • Unusual tiredness

Kidney Damage.Kidney damage can happen when taking etodolac. Stop taking etodolac and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs (edema)
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Trouble catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use etodolac?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take etodolac.

  • Etodolac
  • Lodine
  • Lodine XL
  • Aspirin or any other medicine known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific etodolac products they stock.

Heart Surgery. Do not take etodolac right before or after a heart surgery called coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Taking etodolac during this time can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

What should I know about etodolac before using it?

Do not take etodolac unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share etodolac with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep etodolac out of the reach of children.

People aged 60 years and older can be at a greater risk for some side effects of etodolac. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using etodolac?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if etodolac is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems such as heart failure or a recent heart attack
  • Bleeding problems
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Fluid retention (edema)
  • Stomach ulcers, bleeding, or other stomach problems like heartburn
  • High blood pressure
  • Asthma
  • Stroke

Other Medicines and Supplements. Etodolac may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking etodolac, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

Pregnancy. Do not take etodolac at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy without talking to your health care provider. Taking etodolac during this time may harm ta fetus and  cause complications during delivery. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take etodolac while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if etodolac passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take etodolac while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does etodolac interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between etodolac and foods or drinks.

Drinking alcohol while taking etodolac increases your risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does etodolac interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking etodolac.

  • Any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as enalapril or lisinopril, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), such as losartan or valsartan, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), such as duloxetine or venlafaxine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine that suppresses your immune system
  • Digoxin, which is a medicine used to treat heart failure or certain abnormal heart rhythms
  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, such as furosemide, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with etodolac. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much etodolac?

If you or someone else has taken too much etodolac, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of etodolac?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.