Two medicines, side by side
Etodolac vs indomethacin
Etodolac and indomethacin are both labeled for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of etodolac since 1991 and of indomethacin since 1965. Pharmacies paid $0.262 per etodolac 400 mg tablet and $0.210 per indomethacin ER 75 mg capsule (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like. How each works, in its label's words: Etodolac, “of etodolac, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood, but may be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition.”; Indomethacin, “The mechanism of action of indomethacin capsules, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2).”
Check it at the source: the etodolac FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 16, 2026); the indomethacin FDA label on DailyMed (effective December 19, 2025).
Highlights of the etodolac record
Etodolac (Lodine) · label of July 16, 2026
Cardiovascular Thrombotic Events Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may occur early in treatment and may increase with duration of use [see Warnings and Precautions ]. Etodolac tablets, 400 mg and 500 mg are contraindicated in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery [see Contraindications and Warnings ].
Used for
From the label: indicationsCarefully consider the potential benefits and risks of etodolac tablets and other treatment options before deciding to use etodolac tablets. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals (see WARNINGS ). […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- January 31, 1991
- Generic labelers
- 30 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.262 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 0
Highlights of the indomethacin record
Indomethacin (Indocin) · label of December 19, 2025
RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal.
Used for
From the label: indicationsIndomethacin capsules are indicated for: • Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis including acute flares of chronic disease • Moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis • Moderate to severe osteoarthritis • Acute painful shoulder (bursitis and/or tendinitis) • Acute gouty arthritis Indomethacin capsules are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for: • Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis including acute […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- June 10, 1965
- Generic labelers
- 31 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.210 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 9
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Etodolac label of July 16, 2026, Indomethacin label of December 19, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do etodolac and indomethacin differ on the record?
How each works, in its label's words: Etodolac, “of etodolac, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood, but may be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition.”; Indomethacin, “The mechanism of action of indomethacin capsules, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2).”
Both are in FDA's class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Half-life, in each label's words: Etodolac, “The terminal half-life (t 1/2 ) of etodolac is 6.4 hours (22% CV).”; Indomethacin, “The mean half-life of indomethacin is estimated to be about 4.5 hours.”
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: etodolac since 1997; indomethacin since 1985 (Drugs@FDA).
| Etodolac | Indomethacin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis | Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis |
| Pharmacologic class | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | of etodolac, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood, but may be related to prostaglandin synthetase inhibition. Etodolac is a racemic mixture of [-]R- and [+]S-etodolac. | Indomethacin has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of indomethacin capsules, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and … |
| Half-life (label) | The terminal half-life (t 1/2 ) of etodolac is 6.4 hours (22% CV). | The mean half-life of indomethacin is estimated to be about 4.5 hours. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | January 31, 1991 | June 10, 1965 |
| First generic approved | February 28, 1997 | September 4, 1985 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 30 labelers | 31 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.262 per tablet (Etodolac 400 mg tablet) | $0.210 per capsule (Indomethacin ER 75 mg capsule) |
| 12-month price change | +0.9% | -1% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 0 | 9 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 5,958 | 13,174 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Etodolac label, drug interactionsThe clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of etodolac and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential of increased adverse effects.
Indomethacin label, drug interactionsConcomitant use of indomethacin with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ].
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to etodolac
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions