Etodolac

Medical uses

NSAIDs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that are responsible for pain and the fever and tenderness that occur with inflammation. Etodolac blocks the cyclooxygenase (abbrev. COX) enzymes which form prostanoids, resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced.

Post-marketing studies demonstrated that etodolac inhibition of cyclooxygenase is somewhat COX-2 selective similar to celecoxib and other "COX-2 inhibitors." Unlike rofecoxib, both etodolac and celecoxib can fully inhibit COX-1 and are designated as having "preferential selectivity" toward COX-2. The R-enantiomer of etodolac is inactive against COX enzymes, but inhibits beta-catenin levels in hepatoma cells.

Indications

Etodolac is licensed for the treatment of inflammation and pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Interactions

Etodolac should be avoided by patients with a history of asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs. Rare but severe allergic reactions have been reported in such individuals. It also should be avoided by patients with peptic ulcer disease or poor kidney function, since this medication can worsen both conditions. Etodolac is used with caution in patients taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants), such as warfarin (Coumadin), because it increases the risk of bleeding. Patients taking both lithium and etodolac may develop toxic blood lithium levels. Additionally, etodolac has been found to interact with certain anti-depressant medications, such as sertraline or fluoxetine, which can increase risks of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular conditions. Patients also taking ciclosporin (Sandimmune) can develop kidney toxicity. Use in children has not been adequately studied. Etodolac is not habit-forming. NSAIDs should be discontinued prior to elective surgery because of a mild interference with clotting that is characteristic of this group of medicines. Etodolac is best discontinued at least four days in advance of surgery.

Pregnancy and nursing

Etodolac is generally avoided during pregnancy and nursing. NSAIDs may cause adverse cardiovascular effects in the fetus during pregnancy.

Brand names

Etodolac is manufactured by Almirall Limited under the trade name Lodine SR and by Meda Pharmaceuticals under the name Eccoxolac. Generic etodolac is also available.

The drug is also sold under several other brand names, including: