Etodolac

How it works

     * Etodolac helps to relieve pain and inflammation by possibly
       blocking the effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. This prevents
       prostaglandin synthesis (prostaglandins elevate body temperature
       and make nerve endings more sensitive to pain transmission).
     * Etodolac belongs to a class of medicines known as NSAIDs
       (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Upsides

     * Used to relieve mild-to-moderate acute pain associated with
       osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
     * May also be used to relieve mild-to-moderate acute pain due to
       other causes.

Downsides

   If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or
   have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to
   experience include:
     * Stomach-related side effects such as indigestion, belching,
       heartburn, and bleeding. People of an older age, taking other
       medicines that affect the stomach, or who drink more than 3 glasses
       of alcohol per day may be more at risk. Etodolac is more likely
       than ibuprofen to cause stomach-related side effects.
     * Dizziness, edema, headaches, pruritis, and rashes are also
       reasonably common.
     * Most NSAIDs have been associated with an increased risk of serious
       cardiovascular events including stroke or heart attack. The risk
       may be higher in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular
       conditions and with higher dosages. Etodolac is associated with a
       higher risk compared with other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen.
     * May affect kidney function and increase liver enzymes. Tinnitus
       (ringing in the ears) has also been reported.
     * May increase bleeding time especially if given with other medicines
       that also delay blood clotting.
     * May not be suitable for some people including those with kidney
       disease, a history of stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal
       disorders, or with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. Should not
       be given during or following coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
     * May interact with some other medicines such as warfarin, SSRIs, ACE
       inhibitors, and diuretics.

   Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical
   conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes,
   seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of
   developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all
   side effects, [84]click here.

Bottom Line

   Etodolac is a NSAID that may be used in the treatment of osteoarthritis
   or rheumatoid arthritis. It is associated with an increased risk of
   cardiovascular and gastrointestinal side effects compared to other
   NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen.

Tips

     * Always use etodolac at the lowest effective dose for the shortest
       possible time as directed by your doctor. Taking etodolac with food
       may decrease some of the gastrointestinal side effects.
     * May make your skin more sensitive to the sun; wear sunblock SPF
       30-50+ when outside; see a doctor as soon as possible if you
       develop a skin rash.
     * Seniors may be especially sensitive to etodolac's side effects.
     * Blood counts and liver enzymes may need monitoring periodically.
     * NSAIDs should not be used in the last 3 months of pregnancy; always
       ask your doctor before using any medication during pregnancy.
     * If you have experienced asthma-like symptoms, developed hives
       (urticaria) or other allergic-type reactions in the past after
       taking aspirin or other NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), do not take
       etodolac.
     * Combining etodolac with alcohol may increase the risk of stomach
       ulcers or bleeding.

Response and Effectiveness

     * Peak plasma concentrations of etodolac are reached within 50 to 110
       minutes after oral administration, and the peak analgesic effect
       occurs between one to two hours following a dose. Food does not
       affect the absorption of etodolac. The effects of etodolac usually
       last six to eight hours.

References