What is Lodine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Lodine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Lodine, Lodine XL

Generic Names:

  • Etodolac

Uses:

  • Treats pain and arthritis. This medicine is an NSAID.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic, Antirheumatic, Central Nervous System Agent, Musculoskeletal Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Lodine come in

  • Capsule

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Lodine doses?

  • Tablet 400MG

Common Lodine prescriptions

  • Lodine
    400mg tablet

How to take Lodine

  • It is best to take this medicine with food or milk so it does not upset your stomach.

  • Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.

  • Swallow the capsule and extended-release tablet (Lodine XL) whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Use this medicine for the shortest time possible and in the smallest dose possible. This will help lower the risk of side effects.

  • It is best to take this medicine with food or milk so it does not upset your stomach.

  • Swallow the capsule and extended-release tablet (Lodine XL) whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

What to do if you miss a dose of Lodine

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Lodine contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to etodolac, aspirin, or other pain and arthritis medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Bextra®, Celebrex®, Motrin®, or Vioxx®. The reaction may have included wheezing or feeling short of breath, hives, rash, or swelling in your face. Do not use this medicine right before or right after having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), a type of heart surgery.

Lodine warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of ulcers or other stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you have bleeding problems, liver disease, or kidney disease. Make sure your doctor knows if you have asthma, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), or other heart or circulation problems.

  • This medicine may raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This is more likely in people who already have heart disease. People who use this medicine for a long time might also have a higher risk.

  • This medicine may cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. These problems can happen without warning signs. This is more likely if you have had a stomach ulcer in the past, if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly, if you are over 60 years old, if you are in poor health, or if you are using certain other medicines (a steroid or a blood thinner).

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.

  • Flu-like symptoms.

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.

  • Pain in your lower leg (calf).

  • Rapid weight gain.

  • Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.

  • Skin rash or blisters with fever.

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and lightheadedness.

  • Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Lodine interactions

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using aspirin, a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or a steroid such as cortisone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, or Orapred®. Tell your doctor if you are using methotrexate (Trexall®), or a diuretic ("water pill") such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), torsemide, Demadex®, or Lasix®.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), lithium, or phenylbutazone. Tell your doctor if you are using a blood pressure medicine such as enalapril, lisinopril, Accupril®, Atacand®, Hyzaar®, Lotrel®, or Zestril®.

  • Do not use any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, Motrin®, or Voltaren®.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Lodine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.

  • Bloody or black, tarry stools.

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.

  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools.

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and lightheadedness.

  • Flu-like symptoms.

  • Rapid weight gain.

  • Pain in your lower leg (calf).

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.

  • Vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.

  • Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.

  • Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

  • Skin rash or blisters with fever.

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Ringing in your ears.

  • Dizziness or headache.

  • Constipation, diarrhea, gas, or upset stomach.

  • Problems with your vision.

  • Sensitivity to sunlight.

  • Mild nausea or stomach pain.