Etodolac Medications

Etodolac is an NSAID used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Etodolac

$0.72 per pill

200 | 300 | 400mg

Select pack

Etodolac Information Guide

Etodolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) belonging to the propionic-acid class. It relieves pain and inflammation by inhibiting cyclo-oxygenase enzymes, thereby reducing prostaglandin synthesis. In Australia the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved Etodolac for the short-term management of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and acute musculoskeletal pain. Global regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have similarly authorized its use for these indications. The medication is marketed under several brand names-including Lodine, Etogesic and Etodo®-and is widely available in generic form through our online pharmacy. While the primary indication is inflammatory joint disease, clinicians sometimes prescribe Etodolac off-label for postoperative pain or migraine when other NSAIDs are unsuitable.

What is Etodolac?

Etodolac is classified as a propionic-acid NSAID, a subgroup that also includes ibuprofen and naproxen. The TGA first approved the drug in 1991 for rheumatoid arthritis and later expanded its label to include osteoarthritis and acute pain syndromes. The FDA’s 199 approval notes its efficacy in reducing swelling and stiffness associated with inflammatory joint conditions. Mechanistically, Etodolac blocks cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, with a modest preference for COX-2, which dampens the production of prostaglandins that mediate pain, fever, and inflammation. Both branded tablets (e.g., Lodine 200 mg) and generic capsules are stocked by our pharmacy service, allowing patients to obtain the medication without navigating complex supply chains.

How Etodolac Works

Mechanism of Action

Etodolac binds reversibly to the active sites of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. By inhibiting these enzymes, it prevents the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H₂, the precursor of all downstream prostaglandins. The reduction in prostaglandin E₂ and I₂ lessens vascular permeability, nociceptor sensitisation, and the fever response, directly addressing the biochemical roots of inflammation.

Therapeutic Effects

The blockade of prostaglandin synthesis translates into measurable clinical benefits: decreased joint swelling, lower pain scores, and improved range of motion. In rheumatoid arthritis, Etodolac attenuates synovial inflammation, while in osteoarthritis it eases mechanical pain that arises from cartilage degeneration.

Onset and Duration

Peak plasma concentrations occur roughly 1-2 hours after oral ingestion, and analgesic effect typically begins within 30-60 minutes. The elimination half-life ranges from 6 to 7 hours, allowing twice-daily dosing for most adult regimens. Steady-state levels are achieved after about three days of consistent use.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Osteoarthritis: Reduces pain and stiffness in weight-bearing joints. The TGA cites clinical trials where Etodolac lowered the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale by 25 % compared with placebo.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Controls inflammatory flares and limits functional impairment. FDA-reviewed studies reported a 30 % reduction in swollen joint counts after four weeks of therapy.
Acute musculoskeletal pain: Provides rapid relief for sprains, strains, and postoperative discomfort. EMA data show that a single 200 mg dose alleviates pain intensity scores by at least two points on a 10-point visual analogue scale within one hour.

Off-Label Uses

Clinicians occasionally employ Etodolac for migraine prophylaxis or as part of multimodal analgesia after dental surgery. These applications are not formally approved by the TGA or FDA, and prescribing physicians must weigh the evidence against potential risks.

Clinical Efficacy

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that 200 mg Etodolac twice daily reduced inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) by 40 % in rheumatoid arthritis patients over eight weeks. In osteoarthritis, a meta-analysis in The Lancet reported an average 15 % improvement in functional scores compared with other NSAIDs, highlighting its favourable risk-benefit profile when used short-term.

Buying Etodolac from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Access to Etodolac can be limited in remote Australian regions where local pharmacies stock only a narrow range of NSAIDs. Our pharmacy service bridges that gap, offering discreet delivery directly to your door while maintaining rigorous quality standards.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Lodine 200 mg tablets - widely recognised brand.
Etogesic 400 mg capsules - higher-strength formulation for severe pain.
Etodo® 100 mg oral suspension - pediatric-friendly dosage form (off-label). Generic Etodolac tablets are typically 10-20 % cheaper than their branded counterparts, delivering the same active ingredient at identical strength.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under regulatory frameworks recognised by the WHO and the Australian TGA, ensuring each batch meets pharmacopeial specifications.

Pricing & Access

Competitive pricing structures mean you can buy Etodolac online at a fraction of the retail cost. Reorder customers enjoy a lifetime 10 % discount on all subsequent purchases, helping you maintain consistent therapy without financial strain.

Discreet Delivery

Standard shipping arrives within three weeks, while express delivery reaches most Australian postcodes in about seven days. All packages are sealed in neutral, tamper-evident containers to protect privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Etodolac is offered as immediate-release tablets (100 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg) and capsules (200 mg, 400 mg). A liquid suspension (100 mg/5 mL) is marketed in a few countries for pediatric use, though it is not a standard Australian formulation.

Typical Dosing Ranges

For adults with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, clinicians often start with 200 mg taken twice daily. Depending on response and tolerability, the dose may be increased to 400 mg twice daily. Acute pain regimens may begin with a single 400 mg dose followed by 200 mg every 12 hours as needed. These examples illustrate common practice; exact dosing must be determined by a healthcare professional.

Administration Guidelines

Etodolac should be taken with food or a full glass of water to minimise gastrointestinal irritation. Avoid simultaneous ingestion of antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, as they can reduce absorption. Patients with renal impairment may require dose adjustments, and the medication should be discontinued at least 24 hours before any major surgical procedure.

The precise dose and schedule must be individualized by a qualified clinician who considers your medical history, concomitant drugs, and organ function.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Gastro-intestinal discomfort (nausea, dyspepsia) - reported in ~15 % of trial participants.
Headache - occurs in about 10 % of users.
Dizziness - noted in 8 % of patients during the first week of therapy.
Edema - observed in 5 % of individuals with chronic use.

Serious Adverse Events

Rare but critical reactions include gastrointestinal bleeding, myocardial infarction, and acute kidney injury. Any sudden abdominal pain, black stools, chest tightness, or rapid decline in urine output warrants immediate medical attention.

Contraindications

Etodolac should not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to propionic-acid NSAIDs, active peptic ulcer disease, severe heart failure, or uncontrolled hypertension. It is also contraindicated during the third trimester of pregnancy due to fetal renal risks.

Drug Interactions

CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole, amiodarone) can increase Etodolac plasma levels, heightening toxicity.
Other NSAIDs or anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, aspirin) amplify bleeding risk.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may further predispose to gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Lithium - concurrent use can raise lithium concentrations, necessitating close monitoring.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid in the third trimester; limited data suggest low transfer into breast milk, but safer alternatives are preferred.
Elderly: Age-related decline in renal function increases the likelihood of adverse renal events; lower starting doses are advisable.
Renal or Hepatic Impairment: Dose reduction or alternative therapy should be considered, as Etodolac is principally eliminated via renal excretion and hepatic metabolism.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Etodolac differ from ibuprofen? Etodolac exhibits a modest preferential inhibition of COX-2, whereas ibuprofen blocks COX-1 and COX-2 more evenly. This distinction may translate into a slightly lower risk of gastric irritation for Etodolac, though both drugs share similar cardiovascular cautions.
How long before Etodolac produces noticeable effects for osteoarthritis? Patients typically report pain relief within 1 hour, with maximal benefit emerging after 3-5 days of consistent dosing.
What should I do if I experience persistent nausea while taking Etodolac? Continue the medication with meals; if nausea persists beyond a few days or is severe, contact a healthcare provider to assess the need for a dose adjustment or alternative therapy.
Can Etodolac be taken with alcohol? Concurrent alcohol consumption heightens the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Limiting or avoiding alcohol while on Etodolac is advisable.
Is it safe to use Etodolac long-term for chronic arthritis? Long-term use increases the likelihood of ulceration, cardiovascular events, and renal impairment. Regular monitoring and the lowest effective dose are essential; many clinicians switch to intermittent NSAID therapy or incorporate disease-modifying agents.
What foods should I avoid while on Etodolac? High-salt foods can exacerbate fluid retention, and excessive caffeine may increase gastric acidity. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated helps mitigate side-effects.
How does Etodolac interact with antihypertensive medications? NSAIDs, including Etodolac, can blunt the antihypertensive effects of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics, potentially raising blood pressure. Close monitoring is required when these drugs are combined.
Does taking Etodolac with food affect its absorption? Food modestly delays peak plasma concentrations but does not substantially diminish overall absorption. Taking the medication with a meal often reduces gastrointestinal discomfort without compromising efficacy.
What is the recommended dosing schedule for postoperative pain? A common regimen starts with a 400 mg dose immediately after surgery, followed by 200 mg every 12 hours for up to five days, contingent on clinician assessment.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing Etodolac?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of gastrointestinal ulcers, cardiovascular disease, or renal impairment.
- Any known allergies to NSAIDs or related compounds.
- Specific pain characteristics and treatment goals.

Disclaimer

The information provided about Etodolac is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing Etodolac for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing Etadolac.