Etodolac 400 mg Tablets: Prescription NSAID for Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis & Joint Inflammation

Information last reviewed: May 2026 — for educational purposes only.

Etodolac is a prescription NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) from the pyranocarboxylic acid chemical class. It is used for the management of pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as for acute pain. Etodolac possesses a mild degree of COX-2 preference at therapeutic concentrations compared with many non-selective NSAIDs — meaning it has some selectivity toward the inflammatory COX-2 isoform over the gastric-protective COX-1 isoform, potentially offering somewhat better GI tolerability than ibuprofen, though it is not as selective as celecoxib.

What Is Etodolac?

Like all NSAIDs, etodolac inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain, fever, and inflammation. Its mild COX-2 preference was identified in the 1990s and distinguished it from older NSAIDs, though it was never classified as a COX-2 selective inhibitor by the FDA. Clinical studies have shown it produces fewer endoscopic gastric lesions than naproxen or piroxicam at equivalent anti-inflammatory doses.

Etodolac also has some evidence of uricosuric (uric-acid-lowering) properties, which may be incidentally beneficial in gout-prone patients, though this is not a primary indication.

Is Etodolac Available Over the Counter?

Etodolac is prescription-only in the United States and most other major markets. It is not available OTC. Patients with arthritis pain requiring regular NSAID therapy should consult their physician to determine whether etodolac or another NSAID is the most appropriate choice based on their GI risk, cardiovascular profile, and renal function.

Tablet Strengths and Extended-Release Forms

• 200 mg capsules — lower dose for acute pain or initial dosing; typically prescribed 200–400 mg every 6–8 hours
• 300 mg capsules — mid-range for arthritis management
• 400 mg tablets — most common arthritis dose; 400 mg two to three times daily up to a maximum of 1,200 mg/day for OA, with RA doses up to 1,000 mg/day in divided doses
• 500 mg tablets — higher strength for RA or moderate arthritis
• 400 mg, 500 mg, 600 mg extended-release (XL) tablets — once-daily etodolac formulation; improves adherence by eliminating mid-day dosing; same 24-hour anti-inflammatory coverage

All forms should be taken with food or milk to minimise gastric irritation, even though etodolac has relatively better GI tolerability than older NSAIDs. The extended-release tablet should not be crushed or chewed.

Price of Generic Etodolac

Etodolac is available only as a generic in the United States — brand-name Lodine was discontinued. Generic etodolac tablets and capsules are among the lower-cost prescription NSAIDs. A 30-count supply of 400 mg tablets is typically inexpensive with or without insurance, and pharmacy discount cards reduce cost further.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does etodolac compare to ibuprofen for arthritis?

Both are NSAIDs effective for arthritis pain. Etodolac has been shown to produce fewer stomach ulcers than naproxen in comparative studies, which may make it preferable for patients at moderate GI risk. Ibuprofen is available OTC in lower doses; etodolac at prescription doses may offer longer duration between doses with the extended-release form. A prescriber can recommend the best option based on individual patient factors.

Can etodolac be taken long-term for chronic arthritis?

Long-term NSAID use — including etodolac — carries risks of GI bleeding, cardiovascular events, and renal impairment. For chronic arthritis requiring ongoing anti-inflammatory therapy, the prescriber will monitor renal function and blood pressure periodically. Co-prescription of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole may be added to protect the stomach lining.

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