Edac

Indications

Etodolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, swelling and stiffness in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and to treat short-term (acute) pain such as pain after minor surgery, dental pain or sprains.

How It Works

Etodolac blocks enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX), with a preference for COX-2. These enzymes make prostaglandins, chemicals that cause pain, swelling and fever at sites of injury or inflammation. Lowering prostaglandin production reduces pain and inflammation.

Dosage and Administration

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. For acute pain in adults, the usual dose is 200 to 400 mg every 6 to 8 hours as needed, not more than 1000 mg in 24 hours. For arthritis, a common dose is 300 mg two or three times a day, or 400 to 500 mg twice a day, as prescribed. Extended-release tablets are taken once a day and must be swallowed whole. Take with food or milk and a full glass of water to reduce stomach upset. Not for children unless prescribed by a specialist.

Interactions

• Other NSAIDs or Aspirin increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
• Warfarin and other blood thinners, corticosteroids and SSRI antidepressants increase bleeding risk.
• It may reduce the effect of blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics) and, together with them, may harm the kidneys.
• It can raise levels of Lithium, Methotrexate and Digoxin.
• Ciclosporin and Tacrolimus with NSAIDs increase the risk of kidney damage.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Etodolac, or asthma, hives or nasal swelling after taking Aspirin or another NSAID.
• Active stomach or duodenal ulcer or bleeding, or a history of repeated ulcers.
• Severe heart failure, or pain around heart bypass surgery.
• Severe kidney or liver disease.
• The last three months of pregnancy.

Side Effects

Common side effects include indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, wind, dizziness and headache. Fluid retention, raised blood pressure and rash can occur.

Serious but less common effects include stomach or bowel ulcers and bleeding, kidney problems, liver inflammation, heart attack or stroke (more likely with high doses or long use), and severe skin or allergic reactions.

Get urgent medical help if you vomit blood or material like coffee grounds, pass black or bloody stools, have chest pain, sudden weakness on one side or trouble speaking, yellowing of the skin or eyes, much less urine, a blistering rash, or swelling of the face, lips or throat with difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid Etodolac in pregnancy unless a doctor advises it. From 20 weeks it may affect the baby's kidneys and fluid around the baby, and it must not be used in the last three months, when it can harm the baby's heart and delay labour. It may also make it harder to become pregnant. It is not known how much passes into breast milk; ask your doctor for a safer choice while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell your doctor if you have had stomach ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney or liver disease, asthma, a bleeding disorder, or if you are older or dehydrated. Avoid alcohol and smoking, which add to stomach risk. People on long-term treatment may need blood pressure, kidney and liver checks.

Overdose

Overdose may cause drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and, rarely, stomach bleeding, kidney problems, breathing difficulty or coma. Seek medical help immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), preferential COX-2 inhibitor.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.