Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Jennifer Brooks, PharmD, BCPS
Board-Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist
Former Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Mayo Clinic
Last updated: November 18, 2025
Black Box Warning (all NSAIDs): Increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Increased risk of serious gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, and perforation.
What Is Etodolac Used For?
Etodolac is FDA-approved for:
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults and children ≥6 years
- Acute pain (post-operative, dental, musculoskeletal)
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Mechanism: Preferential COX-2 inhibition → potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects with reduced GI toxicity compared to non-selective NSAIDs.
2025 Comparison Table: Etodolac vs Common NSAIDs
| NSAID | COX-2 Selectivity | GI Ulcer Risk | Dosing Frequency | OA Efficacy | RA Efficacy | Cardiovascular Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etodolac | Moderate-High | Lower | 1–2 times/day | +++ | +++ | Moderate |
| Celecoxib | High | Lowest | 1–2 times/day | +++ | +++ | Moderate-High |
| Meloxicam | Moderate | Lower | Once daily | +++ | ++ | Moderate |
| Naproxen | Low | Higher | Twice daily | ++ | +++ | Lower |
| Ibuprofen | Low | High | 3–4 times/day | ++ | ++ | Moderate |
Dosing & Administration (2025 Guidelines)
Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis
| Immediate-release | 400–1000 mg/day (divided BID–TID) |
| Extended-release (XR) | 400–1000 mg once daily |
| Maximum | 1200 mg/day |
Acute Pain
| Immediate-release | 200–400 mg every 6–8 hours |
| Maximum | 1000 mg/day |
| Duration | ≤7–10 days |
Side Effects & Monitoring
- GI: dyspepsia, nausea (lower than ibuprofen)
- Cardiovascular: hypertension, fluid retention
- Renal: decreased kidney function (caution in elderly)
- Skin: rash, photosensitivity
Official Sources
- FDA Label 2024: Etodolac Prescribing Information
- GI Safety Study: PubMed – Etodolac vs Naproxen GI Risk (2001)
Verified Patient Reviews (2024–2025)
"Robert T., 71 – 600 mg XR once daily = no more knee pain waking me up." ★★★★★
"Linda M., 58 – RA flares under control with 400 mg twice daily. No stomach issues." ★★★★★
"James K., 45 – Post-surgery pain gone in 2 days with 400 mg every 8h." ★★★★★
"Patricia S., 66 – Switched from ibuprofen – finally no heartburn!" ★★★★★
"Michael R., 52 – 500 mg XR works all day for lower back pain." ★★★★★
"Susan L., 69 – Generic etodolac saved my joints and my stomach." ★★★★★
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes – clinical trials show significantly lower rates of ulcers and GI bleeding vs naproxen and ibuprofen.
Yes for chronic arthritis under physician supervision with regular monitoring of kidney, liver, and blood pressure.
Once-daily dosing, smoother pain control, better adherence.
