Etodolac
LODINE
Pronunciation: ee-toe-DOE-lak
“A total lack (of) Loading”
“The N said... NSAID”
Rapid onset 30–60 minutes (actually fast “loading”)
What it isNSAID inhibiting COX-2 more than COX-1; osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Why this oneIts COX-2 preference may reduce GI injury versus fully nonselective NSAIDs, but fades as exposure rises.
What limits itRenal and cardiovascular toxicity persist, and it can raise lithium levels.
FDA-approved for
- arthritis (1991)
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acute pain / analgesia | adult | 200-400 mg q6-8h | up to 1000 mg/day | 1000 mg/day |
| Osteoarthritis / rheumatoid arthritis | adult | 300 mg BID/TID or 400 mg BID or 500 mg BID | 600 mg/day may suffice long-term | 1000 mg/day |
Renal No adjustment needed in mild-moderate impairment (use with caution)
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Use lowest effective dose for shortest duration
Available strengths
- cap 200, 300 mg
- tab 400, 500 mg
- ER tab 400, 500, 600 mg
Contraindications
- History of asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reaction to aspirin or other NSAIDs
- Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery setting
Cautions
- CV thrombotic events (MI, stroke)
- GI bleeding, ulceration, perforation
- Renal effects — may worsen renal function
- Anaphylactoid reactions
- Hepatotoxicity (elevated LFTs)
- Hypertension, edema
- Fetal toxicity in later pregnancy
Adverse reactions
- Dyspepsia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, constipation
- GI ulcers / bleeding, melena
- Dizziness, headache, asthenia
- Rash, pruritus
- Edema, elevated liver enzymes, tinnitus, blurred vision
Pregnancy Avoid at ~30 weeks and later (premature closure of fetal ductus arteriosus); limit dose/duration ~20-30 weeks (oligohydramnios/neonatal renal impairment).
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Generic entry1997
⚠ BOXED WARNINGS
- Cardiovascular thrombotic events
- Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration and perforation
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryMultiple / indication-, trimester- or formulation-dependent
Defining liabilityGI bleeding, kidney injury, hypertension and fluid retention; many agents increase lithium concentrations.
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