Etodolac
About
Etodolac belongs to the group of pain killers known as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) used to treat mild to moderate pain in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the two ends of the joints come together due to the breakdown of a protective covering (cartilage). Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) which leads to joint pain and damage.
Etodolac works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in the body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make another chemical prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site.
Take Etodolac with or after food. You are advised to take Etodolac for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, headache, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you should 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 as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Etodolac as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. It could also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Uses of Etodolac
Medicinal Benefits
Etodolac works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in the body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make another chemical prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, fewer prostaglandins are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site. Thus, Etodolac helps treat pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Etodolac
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Etodolac can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke. So, if you have had any recent heart bypass surgery, do not use Etodolac. 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 stomach or bowels while taking any pain killers or you have liver or kidney problems. 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: Etodolac may have interaction with ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin and diclofenac (used to relieve pain), duloxetine and escitalopram (used to treat depression), metoprolol (used to treat high blood pressure), warfarin (blood thinner), digoxin (used for heart problems), lithium (used for mental illness), quinolone antibiotics (used to treat bacterial infections), cyclosporine (used after transplantation), mifepristone (used to induce abortion) and drugs used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention.
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), kidney and 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 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 could get osteoarthritis, thus known as 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 auto-immune 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 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 excess 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, 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 home try to apply sunscreen on your skin.
Etodolac can increase your risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke. If you have any recent heart bypass surgery, do not use Etodolac.
