Etodolac
About Etodolac
Etodolac is used to treat mild to moderate pain in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. These conditions cause joint pain and damage.
Etodolac contains Etodolac, which works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger called prostaglandins, which cause pain and inflammation.
In some cases, you may experience side effects such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, headache, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor before taking Etodolac if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe Etodolac only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Etodolac may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive with caution. Etodolac is not recommended for children.
Uses of Etodolac
Medicinal Benefits
- Etodolac helps relieve mild to moderate pain caused by inflammatory conditions.
- It reduces swelling, redness, and tenderness at the affected site by lowering prostaglandin production.
- It provides effective relief in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis by improving joint mobility and comfort.
- Etodolac helps reduce joint stiffness, allowing better movement and flexibility.
- It promotes better daily functioning and quality of life in patients with chronic joint pain or inflammation.
Directions for Use
- Etodolac can be taken with meals to avoid stomach upset.
- It is usually taken once daily or as prescribed by your doctor.
- Swallow Etodolac as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Etodolac
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Etodolac if you are allergic to Etodolac, have severe heart failure or peptic ulcer, have suffered bleeding problems such as bleeding from the stomach or bowels while taking any pain killers.
- Etodolac can increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. So, if you have had any recent heart bypass surgery, do not use Etodolac.
- Inform your doctor before taking Etodolac if you are taking medicines for high blood pressure and fluid retention.
- Consult your doctor before taking Etodolac if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, your doctor will prescribe you Etodolac only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
- Etodolac causes drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert.
- Etodolac should not be given to children as the safety has not been established.
- Avoid consuming alcohol along with Etodolac as it could lead to increased drowsiness and can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Inform your doctor before taking Etodolac if you suffer from fluid retention (swelling), high blood pressure, heart problems, asthma or breathing difficulties.
- Use of Etodolac can make your skin very sensitive to sunlight which can even cause sunburn. So, whenever you step out of home try to apply sunscreen on your skin.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking painkillers (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, diclofenac), antidepressants (duloxetine, escitalopram), anti-hypertensives (metoprolol), blood thinner (warfarin), cardiac glycoside (digoxin), anti-manic (lithium), quinolone antibiotics, immunosuppressant (cyclosporine), or antiprogestational steroids (mifepristone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol along with Etodolac as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. It could also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have heart failure, fluid retention (oedema), asthma, gastrointestinal ulcer/bleeding, high blood pressure, hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium), thrombosis (formation of clots), anaemia (low red blood cells), or kidney/liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Etodolac. Alcohol intake along Etodolac may cause increased drowsiness and drowsiness. It may also increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Etodolac if you are pregnant. Your doctor will prescribe you Etodolac if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether Etodolac passes into the mother’s milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Etodolac if you are breast-feeding, your doctor will prescribe you Etodolac if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionEtodolac may cause drowsiness, dizziness or abnormal vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with severe liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with severe kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeEtodolac should not be used by children as the efficacy and safety has not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps in strengthening muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy, apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20minutes regularly.
- Acupuncture, massage and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes and green tea.
Special Advise
Etodolac should be taken with caution in patients with gastric problems like gastritis and peptic ulcers. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Osteoarthritis: It is a degenerative joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering of cartilage. Due to the absence of this protective covering, the joints rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, inflammation and tenderness. The main reason for osteoarthritis is age; the older you are, the more likely you are to develop osteoarthritis, thus known as a degenerative disease, meaning that the joints wear out as a person ages. Other reasons include a past injury such as torn cartilage, dislocated joints and ligament injuries.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body’s immune system attacks its tissue), which leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities and loss of joint function.
FAQs
Etodolac is used to treat mild to moderate pain in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Etodolac works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers (prostaglandin), thereby helping in reducing joint pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Etodolac. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Etodolac might cause stomach upset, abdominal pain and indigestion. To prevent this, take Etodolac with or after food.
Do not take Etodolac for longer durations or high doses as it may cause heart attack or stroke. Do not exceed the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.
Do not overdose on Etodolac or any medicine, as it could lead to unpleasant side effects. Take Etodolac only as prescribed by your doctor. Rush to your nearest doctor as early as possible if you have overdosed on Etodolac. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, and blood in stools/faeces.
Yes, Etodolac might affect certain test results, like blood or urine tests. Inform your doctor that you are taking Etodolac before undergoing any tests.
Yes, the use of Etodolac can make the skin very sensitive to sunlight, which can even cause sunburn. So, whenever you step out of your home, try to apply sunscreen on your skin.
Etodolac can increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. If you have had any recent heart bypass surgery, do not use Etodolac.
Etodolac may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, stomach pain, indigestion, loss of appetite, headache, nausea and vomiting. If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Yes, Etodolac is a pain-relieving medicine.
Etodolac contains Etodolac. It belongs to the class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
No, Etodolac is not a narcotic. It belongs to the class of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
No, Etodolac does not get you high. It does not lead to physical or psychological dependence and does not have the potential to be abused (drug-seeking behaviour). However, consult your doctor if you are not feeling well.
Patients who are allergic to Etodolac or any of its ingredients, should avoid using Etodolac. However, if you are using Etodolac for the first time or if you are not aware of any allergy, please consult your doctor.
Prolonged use and high doses of Etodolac may cause kidney problems, such as blood or protein in urine and pain during urination. Patients with impaired kidney function, heart failure, and hypertension (high blood pressure) are at risk of kidney problems. Patients taking medicines that cause excess urination (diuretics), or medicines which have significant impact on kidney function are also at higher risk of developing kidney problems. Additionally, Etodolac can affect kidneys of patients who are over 65 years of age or who remain dehydrated. Thus, monitoring of kidney function is recommended for such patients.
Etodolac may cause drowsiness and also dizziness and visual disturbances. However, not everyone taking Etodolac will have these effects. If you experience these symptoms, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Etodolac is effective if used in the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Even if you see improvement in your condition, do not stop using Etodolac too early as the symptoms may return or worsen.
