General Information on Lodine XL
Lodine XL is used for providing relief from symptoms associated with arthritis such as swelling, inflammation, and pain. The generic name of this drug is Etodolac. It comes under a category of drugs referred as NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Etodolac works by decreasing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by an enzyme called cyclooxygenase and are responsible for symptoms of inflammation such as pain, irritation, and swelling. As the levels of prostaglandins in patient’s body fall so does inflammation and other symptoms associated with it.
Lodine XL is meant for oral administration only. This drug is available in following strengths – Lodine XL 500 mg, Lodine XL 600 mg and Lodine XL 400 mg. Like other NSAIDs, this drug too is a prescription drug. So, you should buy Lodine XL only if your doctor has approved the drug for your treatment.
Side effects of Lodine XL
Lodine XL is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Etodolac. A hypersensitivity reaction may lead to hives, facial flushness, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, closing of the throat, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after using Lodine XL, immediately contact your healthcare provider.
Common and less serious side effects of Lodine XL may include: mild headache, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, stuffy nose, constipation, bloating, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, nervousness, or headache.
Less common but serious side effects of this NSAID may include: chest pain, slurred speech, weakness, vision or balance problems, black or tarry stools, sudden and unexplained weight gain, muscle weakness, easy bruising, easy or unusual bleeding, seizure, numbness, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or loss of appetite.
Lodine XL is not recommended in pregnancy as it can complicate delivery or cause birth defects, especially if used in the last trimester. If you are pregnant, use this drug only if recommended by your doctor.
Lodine XL may be harmful for a breastfeeding infant. If you are breastfeeding, buy Lodine XL only after consulting with your doctor.
Dosage of Lodine XL
The recommended dosage range of Lodine for management of arthritis is 400 mg –1000 mg per day. Your exact dosage, however, may vary. It is absolutely necessary that you take Lodine XL exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
You should take your medication with a full glass of water with or without food. In case you experience mild gastrointestinal stress due to Lodine XL, it is recommended that you take your medication with food.
Interactions
Your risk to easy bruising or bleeding may increase if you take certain antidepressants (such as fluvoxamine, escitalopram, citalopram, venlafaxine, paroxetine, duloxetine, or sertraline) in combination with Lodine XL.
Other drugs that may interact with Lodine XL include the following: ACE inhibitors (such as lisinopril, captopril, ramipril, benazepril, fosinopril, or enalapril), water pills, other NSAIDs (such as ketoprofen, piroxicam, flurbiprofen, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others), lithium, blood thinners, digoxin, steroids, or methotrexate.
This is not a complete list of drugs that may interact with Lodine XL. To know what all drugs can interact with this NSAID, consult your doctor or read the patient information leaflet that you receive when you buy Lodine XL.
