Etodolac
Indole acetic acid derivative
Also known as: EtoGesic · Lodine · AY-24236 · etodolacum · etodolic acid · Acudor · Articulan · Dualgan · Eccoxolac · Edolan · Elderin · Etonox · Etopan · Flancox · Hypen · Lodot · Lonine · Metazin · Sodolac · Ultradol · Zedolac
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis | 10-15 mg/kg | PO | once daily | — | 🌎 NA |
| Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis | 10-15 mg/kg | SC | once | — | 🌎 NA |
- Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis: Dogs less than 5 kg cannot be accurately dosed with EtoGesic tablets. Adjust dose to obtain satisfactory response, but do not exceed 15 mg/kg. For long-term therapy, reduce dose level to minimum effective dosage.
- Treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis: Administer as a dorsoscapular subcutaneous injection. If needed, daily doses of tablets may begin 24 hours after the last injectable treatment. Use alternate injection sites.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Etodolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) primarily utilized in veterinary medicine for the management of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
- Available in both oral tablet and injectable formulations.
- Characterized by a relatively long half-life in dogs, allowing for convenient once-daily dosing.
- Clinical Pearl: While effective, etodolac has a narrower therapeutic index compared to some newer veterinary NSAIDs (e.g., carprofen, meloxicam), meaning precise dosing is critical to avoid gastrointestinal toxicity. Doses as little as 2.7X the therapeutic dose can produce gastrointestinal lesions.
Mechanism of action
Etodolac exerts its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects primarily by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.
- Arachidonic Acid → Prostaglandins: By blocking COX, etodolac prevents the conversion of arachidonic acid into pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.
- It is generally considered a COX-1 sparing drug rather than highly COX-2 selective in dogs. In horses, it does not exhibit much COX-2 selectivity.
- Additionally, etodolac inhibits macrophage chemotaxis, which further blunts the inflammatory cascade at the site of tissue injury.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to etodolac
- Dogs less than 12 months of age
- Breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs (safe use not established)
- Cats (highly sensitive to toxicity)
Adverse effects
- Vomiting
- Regurgitation
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Hypoproteinemia
- Urticaria
- Behavioral changes
- Inappetence
- Hepatotoxicity (rare)
- Nephrotoxicity (rare)
- Localized pain or tissue reactions at injection site
- Decreased total serum T4
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)
Precautions
Use with caution in dogs with preexisting or occult GI, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, or hematologic abnormalities as NSAIDs may exacerbate these conditions.
Important: Patients may be more susceptible to renal injury from etodolac if they are dehydrated, on diuretics, or have preexisting renal, hepatic, or cardiovascular dysfunction.
Terminate therapy if inappetence, vomiting, fecal abnormalities, or anemia are observed.
Drug interactions
May reduce antihypertensive effects and increase the risk for renal injury.
May decrease etodolac plasma levels and increase likelihood of GI adverse effects (blood loss). Concomitant use is not recommended.
May increase cyclosporine blood levels and increase the risk for nephrotoxicity.
May increase serum levels of digoxin. Use with caution in severe cardiac failure.
May reduce the saluretic and diuretic effects of furosemide.
Serious toxicity has occurred with concomitant NSAID use.
Potential for increased risk of nephrotoxicity.
May increase the metabolism of etodolac in dogs.
May cause a significant increase in serum levels and half-life of etodolac.
May increase the risk for bleeding.
Monitoring
- Baseline physical exam, CBC, Serum chemistry panel (liver and renal function), and Urinalysis
- Reassess liver enzymes at one week of therapy
- Tear production (Schirmer Tear Test) prior to and during therapy due to KCS risk
- Clinical efficacy (pain scoring)
- Signs of adverse reactions: inappetence, vomiting, melena, diarrhea, PU/PD, jaundice, lethargy
Pharmacokinetics
Half-life
Absorption
Rapidly and nearly completely absorbed after oral administration. Food may alter the rate, but not the extent, of absorption. Peak serum levels occur about 2 hours post dosing. Oral bioavailability in horses is about 77%.
Distribution
Highly bound to serum proteins. In horses, volume of distribution is 0.29 L/kg.
Metabolism
Glucuronide conjugates have been detected in the bile but not the urine.
Elimination
Primarily excreted via the bile into the feces. Rate of enterohepatic circulation may be affected by the presence of food in the gut.
Overdose
Etodolac has a relatively narrow therapeutic window in dogs.
- 2.7X overdose (40 mg/kg/day): Can cause GI ulcers, weight loss, emesis, and local occult blood.
- 5.3X overdose (80 mg/kg/day): Highly lethal; caused death or moribund state secondary to severe GI ulceration in safety studies.
- Feline Toxicity: Cats are highly sensitive. Exposures have resulted in acute renal failure, anorexia, collapse, hyperkalemia, and hypersalivation.
Treatment: Decontamination with emetics and/or activated charcoal may be appropriate for acute ingestions. Use gastrointestinal protectants for expected GI effects. If renal effects are anticipated, aggressive fluid diuresis is warranted.
Available products
Formulations
- Oral tablets
- Subcutaneous injection
Veterinary
- Etodolac Scored Tablets: 150 mg & 300 mg (EtoGesic)
- Etodolac Injection 10% (100 mg/mL) in 50 mL vials (EtoGesic Injectable)
Human-labeled
- Etodolac Tablets: 400 mg & 500 mg
- Etodolac Capsules: 200 mg & 300 mg
- Etodolac Extended-release tablets: 400 mg, 500 mg & 600 mg
Regulatory status
No regulatory data for: 🇺🇸 US · 🇪🇺 EU · 🇬🇧 UK · 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Veterinary tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature (15-30°C). Injection should be stored at or below 77°F (25°C).
Client information
Administration: Give the medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. It is often best given with food to reduce the chance of stomach upset.
Watch for Side Effects: Stop the medication immediately and contact your veterinarian if your dog experiences:
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Diarrhea or dark, tarry stools (melena)
- Loss of appetite or extreme lethargy
- Increased thirst or urination
Eye Health: Rarely, this drug can cause "dry eye" (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Watch for excessive squinting, redness, or thick, sticky eye discharge.
WARNING: Never give this medication to cats or other pets, as it can be highly toxic and potentially fatal to them. Keep out of reach of all animals and children.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.