Drug interactions
Etodolac + Lithium
Severity: Major
Etodolac and Lithium: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
NSAIDs can raise serum lithium concentrations, leading to lithium toxicity with tremor, confusion, ataxia and gastrointestinal upset. The effect is variable but can be clinically significant.
What this interaction means in plain words
Etodolac and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Etodolac belongs to Musculoskeletal; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
NSAID inhibition of renal prostaglandins reduces renal blood flow and lithium clearance.
What to do
Check lithium levels before, and within about a week after, starting etodolac and reduce the lithium dose as needed. Prefer paracetamol where possible.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Etodolac
- Etodolac + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Etodolac + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Etodolac Major
- Acemetacin + Etodolac Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Etodolac Major
- Alteplase + Etodolac Major
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Etodolac with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Etodolac and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. NSAIDs can raise serum lithium concentrations, leading to lithium toxicity with tremor, confusion, ataxia and gastrointestinal upset. The effect is variable but can be clinically significant.
How serious is the interaction between Etodolac and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check lithium levels before, and within about a week after, starting etodolac and reduce the lithium dose as needed. Prefer paracetamol where possible.
What other medicines interact with Etodolac?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Etodolac with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Etodolac page.
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