etodolac at a glance
Medicine class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Licensed uses
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Formulation
Modified-release tablets that must be swallowed whole
Food
Take preferably with or after food and swallow with water
What is etodolac used for?
The selected products are licensed for symptom control in inflammatory and degenerative arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
How does etodolac work?
Etodolac inhibits cyclo-oxygenase enzymes and reduces prostaglandin production, lowering inflammation and pain. Laboratory findings suggest preferential inhibition of COX-2 over COX-1, but the clinical benefit of this selectivity has not been established.
etodolac preparations and strengths
Modified-release tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 600 mg
How to take etodolac
Follow the pharmacy label and prescribed instructions.
Swallow the modified-release tablet whole with a glass of water.
Do not chew, crush or split it, as this can interfere with modified release.
Take it preferably with or after food.
Do not drive or operate machinery if you develop dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue or abnormal vision.
etodolac side effects
Common or expected effects
- Digestive symptoms such as nausea, indigestion, heartburn, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, constipation or wind
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness or tiredness
- Rash or itching
- Fluid retention or ankle swelling
Get urgent medical advice
- Stomach or intestinal ulceration, bleeding or perforation
- Severe allergic reaction or asthma-like breathing difficulty
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reaction
- Kidney failure or severe liver injury
- Heart failure, heart attack or stroke
- Aseptic meningitis, particularly in people with lupus or mixed connective-tissue disease
etodolac in pregnancy
Etodolac should not be used in the last trimester of pregnancy. From week 20 it may affect the baby's kidneys, amniotic-fluid volume and ductus arteriosus, so it should be avoided unless a clinician considers it necessary. Exposure over several days may require antenatal monitoring. Discuss pregnancy or plans to conceive with the prescriber because NSAIDs may impair female fertility.
etodolac while breastfeeding
Evidence specific to etodolac during breastfeeding is limited, and the selected product information advises avoiding it where possible. UK specialist guidance prefers ibuprofen or diclofenac when an NSAID is needed for a full-term, healthy breastfed infant. Ask the prescriber to review treatment.
etodolac interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin
Combining NSAIDs increases gastrointestinal and other adverse effects and should be avoided unless specifically directed.
Warfarin and other anticoagulants
Etodolac can enhance anticoagulant effects and increase bleeding risk.
Antiplatelets, SSRIs and corticosteroids
These combinations increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding.
Common questions about etodolac
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What types of arthritis is etodolac licensed to treat?
The selected products are licensed for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Can I take etodolac with ibuprofen or naproxen?
Usually not. Combining systemic NSAIDs increases the risk of ulcers, bleeding, kidney injury and other adverse effects.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.