etodolac

Warfarin The effects of warfarin and NSAIDs on GI bleeding are synergistic, such that users of both drugs together have a risk of serious GI bleeding higher than that of users of either drug alone. Short-term pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated that concomitant administration of warfarin and etodolac results in reduced protein binding of warfarin, but there was no change in the clearance of free warfarin. There was no significant difference in the pharmacodynamic effect of warfarin administered alone and warfarin administered with etodolac as measured by prothrombin time.

Mechanism: Both drugs increase the risk of bleeding, and taking them together makes a serious stomach bleed much more likely. Etodolac also changes how warfarin travels through the bloodstream.

What to do: Be very careful when taking these drugs together and watch for signs of unusual bruising or bleeding. Your doctor may need to check your blood more often.

Diuretics Etodolac has no apparent pharmacokinetic interaction when administered with furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide.

Mechanism: These drugs do not significantly change how the body absorbs or processes each other.

What to do: You can usually take these together, but you should still have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Diuretics Etodolac has no apparent pharmacokinetic interaction when administered with furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide. Nevertheless, clinical studies, as well as postmarketing observations have shown that etodolac can reduce the natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides in some patients with possible loss of blood pressure control.

Mechanism: Etodolac can stop your water pill from removing salt and water effectively, which can cause your blood pressure to rise.

What to do: Monitor your blood pressure closely and tell your doctor if you notice any swelling or weight gain.

Aspirin When etodolac is administered with aspirin, its protein binding is reduced, although the clearance of free etodolac is not altered. The 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.

Mechanism: Taking these together changes how the medicine travels through your blood and increases the chance of harmful side effects.

What to do: This combination is generally not recommended, so talk to your doctor about safer alternatives for pain relief.

Cyclosporine, Digoxin, Methotrexate Etodolac, like other NSAIDs, through effects on renal prostaglandins, may cause changes in the elimination of these drugs leading to elevated serum levels of cyclosporine, digoxin, methotrexate, and increased toxicity. NSAIDs, such as etodolac, should not be administered prior to or concomitantly with high doses of methotrexate. NSAIDs have been reported to competitively inhibit methotrexate accumulation in rabbit kidney slices.

Mechanism: Etodolac can slow down how fast your kidneys remove methotrexate from your body, which causes the drug to build up to unsafe levels. This buildup can make the side effects of methotrexate more dangerous.

What to do: Do not take these two medicines together, especially if you are taking a high dose of methotrexate. Your doctor may need to check your blood levels or change your treatment.