This article describes etodolac oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for etodolac. If you want to know more about etodolac oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Etodolac oral tablet is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version. Etodolac also comes as an oral capsule and an extended-release* oral tablet. But those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.
* “Extended release” means the drug is released into your body slowly over a long period of time.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious digestive problems and serious heart and blood vessel problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.
Form and strengths of etodolac
Etodolac oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: oral tablet which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 400 milligrams (400 mg), 500 mg
Dosage of etodolac
This article describes the recommended dosages for etodolac oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of etodolac oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of etodolac in adults
Etodolac oral tablet is approved to manage short-term pain. It’s also approved to manage symptoms of certain types of arthritis.
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of etodolac oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of etodolac oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for short-term pain
The recommended dosage for short-term pain in milligrams (mg) is:
- Recommended dosage: 200–400 mg every 6–8 hours
- Maximum dosage: 1,000 mg total per day
Dosage for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
The recommended dosage for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is:
- Starting dosage: 300 mg taken 2–3 times per day, 400 mg taken 2 times per day, or 500 mg taken 2 times per day
- Maximum dosage: 1,000 mg total per day
Dosage adjustments for etodolac
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of etodolac oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of etodolac
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of etodolac oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of etodolac oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about etodolac oral tablet and its dosage.
How does the dosage of etodolac compare with the dosage of tramadol or ibuprofen?
Etodolac, tramadol, and ibuprofen all are approved to treat pain. Tramadol, like etodolac, is available only by prescription. Ibuprofen is available in prescription and over-the-counter forms that you take by mouth.
The table below shows recommended dosages of etodolac, tramadol, and prescription ibuprofen for managing pain. The dosages are in milligrams (mg).
| Drug | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|
| etodolac oral tablet | 200–400 mg every 6–8 hours |
| tramadol oral tablet | 50–100 mg every 4–6 hours as needed |
| ibuprofen oral tablet | 400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed |
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about which medication is right for you.
Is etodolac taken long term?
Yes, it might be. Etodolac oral tablet can be taken as either a short-term or a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you may take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take etodolac oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How etodolac is taken
You’ll swallow etodolac oral tablet up to four times per day. Your doctor will prescribe the frequency of your doses. You can take the tablet with or without food. But taking it with food can lower the risk of an upset stomach.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
The drugmaker doesn’t specify whether the tablet can be cut, chewed, or crushed. So, you should swallow it whole. If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Your doctor might prescribe a dose of etodolac for you that’s less than 400 milligrams (mg). In this case, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about getting a capsule instead of a tablet. The capsule is available in a strength less than 400 mg.
Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Etodolac coupon
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Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Overdose of etodolac
It’s important that you do not take more etodolac oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
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Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- drowsiness
- lethargy
- nausea
- blood in your stool
- vomiting, which may contain blood
- pain below your ribs
What to do if you take too much etodolac
If you think you’ve taken too much etodolac, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for etodolac oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of etodolac oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take etodolac oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will taking a higher dosage of etodolac oral tablet increase my risk of side effects?
- If I’m taking other medications, would you be adjusting my dosage of etodolac oral tablet?
- How will I know if I need a higher dosage?
- How often will you change my dosage of etodolac oral tablet?
Boxed warnings for etodolac
This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of serious digestive problems and serious heart and blood vessel problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Risk of serious digestive problems. Etodolac oral tablet can cause serious digestive problems. These include bleeding, ulcers (sores), or tears in your stomach or intestines. These side effects may be life threatening and can occur at any time during treatment. The risk is highest in older adults ages 65 years or more.
Some symptoms of digestive problems require immediate medical help. These include black or tarry stools, blood in your vomit, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. If you have any of these symptoms during etodolac treatment, get medical help right away.
Risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. Etodolac oral tablets can increase your risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. These include heart attack and stroke. The risk is higher if you’ve had coronary artery bypass graft surgery recently. These events can occur early in the first weeks of treatment. Also, the longer you take this medication, your risk may increase over time. For this reason, your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dosage for the shortest amount of time.
Symptoms of heart or blood vessel problems require immediate medical help. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness on one side of your body, or difficulty speaking. If you have any of these symptoms during etodolac treatment, seek emergency medical help right away.
If you’ve had recent heart bypass surgery, you should not take etodolac oral tablet.
To learn more about these boxed warnings, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.