Etodolac

• For relieving pain and swelling associated with osteoarthritis and gout.
• It is also used for relieving postoperative pain, dental pain, and muscular pain.

When should one not use Etodolac

• If you are allergic to etodolac or any of the ingredients of this medicine.
• If you have a history of peptic ulcers or stomach bleeding.
• If you have a history of stomach/intestinal bleeding or allergic reaction like asthma, allergy, swelling, or rashes due to other painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin. If you are not sure what these medicines are, please confirm with your doctor.
• If you are pregnant.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Rashes
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Other General Warnings

• You may experience side effects with concomitant use of other painkillers.
• You have a history of asthma, caution is required as it may cause bronchospasm.
• You have a heart, kidney or liver problem, in such conditions, the dose needs to be adjusted, and regular kidney and liver function tests are monitored.
• You are an elderly person because elderly persons are more prone to adverse reactions or stomach bleeding.
• You are suffering from high blood pressure or heart problem because there are chances of fluid retention or swelling due to this therapy.
• You may suffer from GI bleeding or stomach bleeding on the use of painkillers if you already have a history of peptic ulcers.
• You may suffer from autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus (a disease affecting the skin, joints and kidneys) and sometimes other skin reactions. The doctor may discontinue the treatment also as per the condition.
• It is not recommended for children unless prescribed by the doctor.
• You are planning for a baby, as it may also impair female fertility.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Etodolac works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interactions.
• Concomitant use of other painkillers like aspirin, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
• It can reduce the effect of few medicines like Metoprolol, Enalapril, Valsartan (antihypertensives) or water pills like Furosemide and can lead to kidney toxicity.
• Medicines used to treat heart conditions like Digoxin can worsen the heart activity on concomitant use with painkillers.
• Simultaneous use of Etodolac can reduce the effect of Mifepristone; it should be given between a gap of 10-12 days.
• If anticoagulants like Warfarin, anti-platelets like Clopidogrel and antidepressants (such as SSRIs) are used along with this medicine, it can increase clotting time and increase the risk of bleeding respectively.
• Antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin can increase the risk of fits/convulsion associated with Etodolac.
• Corticosteroids like Prednisone can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Other medicines which can interact with Etodolac are lithium, Tacrolimus, Ciclosporin, Methotrexate and Zidovudine.

Overdose

Missed a Dose