How to Use

To ensure the safe use of Etodolac, let your doctor know if you suffer or have a history of any of these conditions:

• Heart attack
• Blood clot disorder
• Stroke
• Stomach bleeding or ulcers
• Asthma
• Heart disease, high blood pressure or congestive heart failure
• Polyps in the nose
• Kidney or liver disease
• If you smoke

To account for the above conditions, a dose adjustment may be required. You may also be required to take special tests before a prescription is given.

Use Etodolac exactly as prescribed. Don’t chew, crush or break the extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. It may take up to 2 weeks before you notice any improvement. Keep taking the drug for the full prescribed length of time. Regular checkups may be required if you have been using the drug for a long time.

FDA Pregnancy Classification

Category C

Etodolac can harm an unborn baby. Taking the drug during the last three months of pregnancy can harm the baby. It is unknown if the drug can pass into breast milk or if it can cause harm to a breastfeeding baby. Talk to your doctor before using this drug while pregnant or while nursing a baby.

Storage

Store at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

Side Effects

• Bloating, gas
• Mild heartburn, stomach upset, diarrhea, stomach pain or constipation
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Skin rash or itching
• Headache, nervousness, dizziness
• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat

Safety

Etodolac should not be used immediately before or after heart bypass surgery. This is because the drug increases the risk of life-threatening circulation or heart problems which include stroke and/or heart attack. The risk is higher when you use the drug for long.

Stop using the drug and seek emergency medical assistance if you notice symptoms of circulation or heart problems: weakness, chest pain, and shortness of breath, vision problems, balance problems or slurred speech. 

Etodolac may increase the risk of serious effects on the stomach and/or intestines. Such effects may include bleeding or perforation. The conditions can be life threatening with some problems such as gastrointestinal effects occurring without warning. Older adults have a higher risk of these problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms of bleeding in the stomach or intestines: tarry, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, or vomit that look like coffee grounds.

While using Etodolac, don’t drink alcohol as it will increase the risk of bleeding stomach or intestines. Your doctor should also know of all the drugs you are using.

Interactions

Etodolac interacts with 377 drugs.