Etodolac is a medication to relieve pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, jouvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or another acute pain condition. This drug should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.
Etodolac belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This drug works by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins, which can increase in number when tissue damage occurs. This method of action will relieve pain and inflammation.
etodolac trademark: Lonene
What is Etodolac
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Benefit | Relieves pain and inflammation |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Etodolac for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether it can be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablets and capsules |
Precautions Before Taking Etodolac
Etodolac should not be used carelessly. Some things to consider before taking etodolac are:
- Do not take etodolac if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction when taking NSAIDs.
- Tell your doctor if you are going to or have recently had surgery bypass heart. Etodolac should not be used in these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma, nasal polyps, heart failure, liver disease, hypertension, kidney disease, diabetes, colitis, heart attack, peptic ulcer, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages and stop smoking while undergoing treatment with etodolac because it can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug, serious side effects, or an overdose after taking etodolac.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Etodolac
The dose of etodolac is different for each patient. The following is the dosage of etodolac based on the patient's condition:
- Condition: Acute pain
Mature: 200–400 mg, every 6–8 hours. The maximum dose is 1000 mg per day.
- Condition:Rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritisMature: 400–500 mg, 2 times daily.
Dosage for children will be determined directly by the doctor based on the age and health condition of the patient.
How to Take Etodolac Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the etodolac packaging label before starting to take it.
Etodolac is better taken with food, because food in the stomach can help protect the risk of side effects, such as indigestion and stomach irritation.
Swallow etodolac whole with the help of water. Do not chew, split, or crush the medicine as this may increase the risk of side effects.
If you forget to take etodolac, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose of etodolac to make up for a missed dose.
Store etodolac at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Interactions of Etodolac with Other Drugs
The following are some of the effects of interactions that may occur when using etodolac together with other medicines:
- Decreased effectiveness of diuretic, mifepristone, or antihypertensive drugs
- Increased risk of seizures when used with quinolone antibiotics, such as ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and moxifloxacin
- Increased risk of etodolac side effects when used with aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Increased risk of kidney failure, heart failure, or elevated levels of etodolac when used with cardiac glycoside drugs
Side Effects and Dangers of Etodolac
There are several side effects that may occur after taking etodolac, including:
- Stomach ache
- Constipation or diarrhea
- bloating
- Throw up
- Ears ringing
- Dizzy
Consult a doctor if the above complaints do not subside. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a medication or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision
- Changes in urine color to dark
- Swelling in the legs
- Stomach pain that is getting worse
- Jaundice
