Dosage and Administration
Etodolac is available in both generic and brand-name forms․ The brand name for etodolac is Lodine․ It is available in tablets, capsules, and extended-release tablets․ The usual dosage of etodolac is 200 to 400 mg every 6 to 8 hours, as needed for pain relief․ The maximum daily dosage of etodolac is 1200 mg․
Etodolac can be taken with or without food․ However, it is best to take it with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset․
Etodolac extended-release tablets should be taken once daily, with or without food․ Do not crush, chew, or break extended-release tablets․ Swallow them whole․
The dosage of etodolac will vary depending on the individual patient and the condition being treated․ Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you․
It is important to take etodolac exactly as prescribed by your doctor․ Do not take more or less of it than prescribed, and do not take it more often than prescribed․ Taking too much etodolac can increase your risk of side effects․
If you miss a dose of etodolac, take it as soon as you remember․ However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time․ Do not take two doses at the same time․
Etodolac should be used with caution in people with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, or who are taking anticoagulant medications․ It should also be used with caution in people with a history of heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease․
If you experience any serious side effects while taking etodolac, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately․
Side Effects
Etodolac is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects in some people․ The most common side effects include⁚
- Gastrointestinal upset (e․g․, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Rash
- Itching
More serious side effects can occur, but they are rare․ These include⁚
- Stomach ulcers or bleeding
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Etodolac should be used with caution in people with a history of heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease․ It should also be used with caution in people who are taking anticoagulant medications․
If you experience any serious side effects while taking etodolac, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately․
In addition to the side effects listed above, etodolac may also cause other side effects․ These side effects are rare, but they can occur․ If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking etodolac, talk to your doctor․
Etodolac can also interact with other medications․ It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements․ This will help your doctor determine if etodolac is right for you and to avoid any potential drug interactions․
Contraindications and Precautions
Etodolac is contraindicated in people who have a history of allergic reactions to the drug or to other NSAIDs․ It is also contraindicated in people with active peptic ulcer disease or inflammatory bowel disease․
Etodolac should be used with caution in people with a history of heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease․ It should also be used with caution in people who are taking anticoagulant medications․
Etodolac can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in people who have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding․ The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is also increased with higher doses of etodolac and with longer duration of use․
Etodolac can also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in people who have a history of heart disease or stroke․ The risk of heart attack and stroke is also increased with higher doses of etodolac and with longer duration of use․
Etodolac can also increase the risk of kidney damage, especially in people who have a history of kidney disease․ The risk of kidney damage is also increased with higher doses of etodolac and with longer duration of use․
Etodolac should be used with caution in pregnant women․ It is not known whether etodolac is excreted in human milk, so it should be used with caution in breastfeeding women․
Etodolac may interact with other medications․ It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements․ This will help your doctor determine if etodolac is right for you and to avoid any potential drug interactions․
If you experience any serious side effects while taking etodolac, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately․