Etodolac

Products

Etodolac is commercially available as film-coated tablets and sustained-release film-coated tablets (Lodine, Lodine retard). It has been approved in many countries since 1987.

Structure and properties

Etodolac (C17H21NO3, Mr = 287.4 g/mol) is a racemate. The -enantiomer is pharmacologically more active. Etodolac exists as a white crystalline powder that is practically insoluble in water. It is an indole acetic acid derivative.

Effects

Etodolac (ATC M01AB08) has analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The effects are due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX). Etodolac predominantly inhibits COX-2, and the half-life is between 7 to 8 hours.

Indications

For symptomatic treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions:

  • Chronic polyarthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Pain of non-rheumatic origin
  • Extraarticular rheumatism such as painful shoulder
  • Acute lumbalgia

Dosage

According to the professional information. The tablets are usually taken one to three times daily after meals. The sustained-release tablets are administered once daily, independent of meals.

Contraindications

Numerous precautions must be observed when using NSAIDs. Full details can be found in the drug label.

Adverse effects

The most common possible adverse effects include:

  • Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burning of the stomach, indigestion, flatulence, constipation
  • Skin rash, itching
  • Dizziness, headache, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, fatigue, weakness, malaise, depression.
  • Malaise, fever, chills.
  • Edema, polyuria

As with all NSAIDs, serious side effects can occur with etodolac.