What is the Drug Etodolac Used For?

Etodolac belongs to a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These drugs work primarily by relieving pain and reducing inflammation. NSAIDS can also be used to reduce fever. Other drugs in this family include Motrin and Aleve. While some NSAIDS are available over-the-counter, etodolac is only available with a prescription.

Uses

• Etodolac is indicated for relief of various pain conditions including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties in etodolac make it an ideal treatment option for people who suffer from arthritis. Because NSAIDS often lose their analgesic effect once a certain dose is reached, etodolac is primarily indicated for use in mild to moderate pain.

Time Frame

• If a patient is using etodolac for chronic pain management, he should expect a response to the drug after about two weeks of continuous use. After this time, the dose should be adjusted as needed to optimize therapy. If a patient is using etodolac long-term, his liver and kidney function should be monitored by his physician. Any significant change from his baseline results should be a cause for reevaluating therapy.

Effects

• The most common side effect of etodolac (and any NSAID) is ulceration of the gastrointestional tract. This side effect is more common in patients using etodolac chronically. Other adverse effects include impaired digestion, fluid retention and an increase in blood pressure. Etodolac also causes a mild decrease in the blood's ability to clot. For this reason, therapy with etodolac or any NSAID should be discontinued prior to surgery because of the potential for increased bleeding.

Considerations

• Etodolac should be used with caution in certain patient populations. Those with decreased kidney function and the elderly should be monitored more closely when using etodolac. In addition, the safety of using etodolac in children under 6 years of age has not been established. Any patients who have aspirin sensitivity-induced asthma should avoid using etodolac due to the potential for cross-reactivity. Etodolac is listed as a pregnancy "Category C" during the first two trimesters. This means it should be used only if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risk to the fetus. The drug is contraindicated in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Interactions

• The use of etodolac can increase or decrease concentrations of other drugs in the body. In patients using lithium, digoxin or cyclosporine, the concentration in the body can be increased while taking etodolac. Therapy with etodolac can decrease the effectiveness of some classes of blood pressure medications, specifically, ACE inhibitors and diuretics. It is important for patients who are starting etodolac to discuss all other medications with their physician to avoid possible drug interactions.