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Generic Name: Etodolac
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Lodine belongs to a class of medications commonly called NSAIDs or
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is prescribed for the management of
pain and is also used both for short-term and long-term treatment of arthritis.
Pain relief begins within 30 minutes of taking Lodine and lasts 4 hours
or more (up to 12 hours in a few patients).
Side Effects and Interactions
Unquestionably the most common side effects of
Lodine involve the gastrointestinal tract. They include indigestion, cramps,
diarrhea, gas, nausea and constipation.
Some people may develop ulcers
and intestinal bleeding while taking Lodine. Occasionally these problems can
occur without obvious symptoms and lead to a life-threatening crisis due to
perforation of the stomach lining.
Older people appear to be more
susceptible to this problem and should be monitored carefully. Warning signs
include weight loss, persistent indigestion, a feeling of fullness after
moderate meals, dark or tarry stools, anemia and unusual fatigue.
Home
stool tests such as Hemoccult or Fleet Detecatest may provide an early
indication of bleeding.
Other side effects to be alert for include
fatigue, dizziness, nervousness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, rash,
itching, fluid retention, frequent urination, sensitivity to sunlight leading to
sunburn and chills or fever.
Drowsiness or insomnia are possible, so do
not drive if you become impaired. Report any symptoms to your physician
promptly.
Lodine can affect both the kidney and liver, so periodic blood
tests to monitor the function of these organs are important for anyone on this
drug long-term.
This medication may interact adversely with certain other
drugs. A person taking a blood thinner like Coumadin may become more vulnerable
to a dangerous bleeding ulcer.
Aspirin may interfere with Lodine's
effectiveness for reducing inflammation, although data on this point are not
clear.
All the NSAIDs, including Lodine, can make methotrexate (Folex,
Mexate, Rheumatrex), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid, etc.) and Lanoxin far more
toxic.
When Lodine is combined with Sandimmune the risk of kidney damage
is increased. Lodine is still a relatively new drug and more interactions may
become apparent as clinical experience accumulates. Ask your doctor and
pharmacist to check whether Lodine interacts with any other drugs you take.
Special Precautions
People who are allergic to aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory agents should avoid Lodine.
Signs of allergy include breathing difficulties, rash, fever, or a sudden drop in blood pressure and require immediate medical attention.
Taking the Medicine
Taking Lodine with an antacid or a meal may help reduce possible stomach irritation. This will,
however, decrease the peak concentration of Lodine in the body and may delay the onset of pain
relief
Taking an NSAID with food does not guarantee that the drug will be safe for the
stomach.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000