General Information on Lodine
Lodine provides relief from symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis such as swelling, inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness. The generic name of this drug is Etodolac. It comes under a category of drugs referred as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Lodine, like other drugs of its class, works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, naturally occurring chemicals that causes inflammation, pain, and tenderness. Prostaglandins are produced by cyclooxygenase. Lodine inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase. As a result of this, the levels of prostaglandins in the body decreases. Reduced levels of prostaglandins, in turn, help in relieving inflammation and pain.
Lodine is meant for oral administration only. The drug is available in the form of oral capsules (Lodine 200mg and Lodine 300mg), oral tablets (Lodine 400mg and 500mg), and oral extended release tablets (Lodine 400mg, Lodine 500mg, and Lodine 600mg).
Side effects of Lodine
Like other NSAIDs, Lodine may increase your risk of developing serious cardiovascular conditions, such as stroke and myocardial infarction. The longer you use Lodine, the greater is your risk to such events. The risk of developing a heart disease may be more if you use Lodine continuously for longer duration and have an existing cardiovascular disease or have multiple risk factors for heart diseases. You should consult your doctor immediately if you show symptoms of circulation or heart problems, like slurred speech, balance or vision problems, chest pain, shortness of breath, and weakness.
Regular use of NSAIDs, including Lodine, may increase your risk of developing a serious and possibly fatal gastrointestinal condition, such as perforation or bleeding. Such conditions may occur with or without symptoms. The risk of developing a serious gastrointestinal condition is greater for geriatric patients. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms: tarry or blood stools, vomit that appears similar to coffee grounds, or coughing up blood.
Less serious side effects of Lodine may include the following: blurred vision, mild stomach ache or headache, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, sore throat, ringing in the ears, or dizziness.
You should not buy Lodine if you have a known allergy to Etodolac, the active ingredient of the preparation. Before you use Lodine, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or have had asthma, a kidney or liver disease, stroke, blood clot, heart attack, high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic heart failure, or a bleeding disorder.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not buy Lodine unless your doctor approves its use for your condition.
Dosage of Lodine
The recommended initiating dosage range for the management of symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis osteoarthritis is Lodine 300mg – 500mg twice a day. The recommended maintenance dosage for the management of the aforementioned conditions is Lodine 600mg per day. Your actual dosage, however, may vary, depending on the severity of your condition, your medical history, and response to the treatment.
Interactions
Certain drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, other NSAIDs, water pills, lithium, blood thinners, methotrexate, steroids, cyclosporine, and others, may interact with Lodine. It is essential that you inform your doctor in advance about all other drugs that you are using, including all non-prescription medicines.
