Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Ibuprofen vs. Lodine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and etodolac (Lodine) are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to relieve pain and inflammation. However, there are some key differences between them. Ibuprofen is available both over-the-counter and by prescription, while etodolac is only available by prescription. Ibuprofen can be used for a variety of short-term pains, such as headaches and muscle aches, and is also used to reduce fever. Etodolac, on the other hand, is primarily used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and short-term pain, with an extended-release form available for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Ibuprofen is taken every 4 to 8 hours, whereas etodolac's immediate-release form is taken every 6 to 8 hours, and the extended-release form is taken once daily. Both medications can cause stomach pain and other gastrointestinal issues, but etodolac has a higher risk of causing constipation. Additionally, neither medication should be taken during the second half of pregnancy due to potential risks to the unborn baby.

  • Ibuprofen
    Etodolac
  • Ibuprofen
    Etodolac

  • Summary of Ibuprofen vs. Lodine

    Summary for NSAID

    Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Etodolac, also known by its brand name Lodine, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The immediate-release pills are taken throughout the day; they're approved for adults with sudden, short-term pain; rheumatoid arthritis; or osteoarthritis. There's also an extended-release tablet for people ages 6 years and older that's taken once per day for the same types of arthritis. Side effects can include stomach pain, dizziness, and rash. Etodolac is currently available by prescription as generic only; the brand name has been discontinued.

  • Indications of Ibuprofen vs. Lodine

    Indications for

    Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

    •Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
    •Fever

    Prescription ibuprofen:

    •Mild-to-moderate pain
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Pain from menstrual cramps
    Indications for
    •Osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Juvenile idiopathic arthritis - extended-release only
    •Short-term pain - immediate-release only

  • Pros and Cons of Ibuprofen vs. Lodine

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
    •Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
    •Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
    •Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children
    Cons
    •Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
    •Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects
    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well to treat pain and inflammation
    •Extended-release tablets can be used for children as young as 6 years old
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only available as pills that can't be split, open, or crushed
    •Not safe to take after 20 weeks of pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems

  • Common Side Effects of Ibuprofen vs. Lodine

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Heartburn
    •Dizziness
    •Rash
    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in 1% to 10% of people who took etodolac:

    •Stomach pain
    •Indigestion or heartburn
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Diarrhea
    •Passing gas
    •Stomach ulcer
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Swelling
    •Headache
    •Ringing in the ears
    •Itching
    •Rash
    •Anemia (low red blood cell count)
    •Elevated liver enzymes

  • Warnings of Ibuprofen vs. Lodine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Not safe to take while pregnant
    •Risk for bleeding

  • Prices with our coupons for Ibuprofen vs. Lodine

    Learn more about Ibuprofen
    Learn more about Etodolac

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis drugs

Arthrotec vs IbuprofenAspirin vs IbuprofenDuexis vs IbuprofenIbuprofen vs Acetaminophen With CodeineIbuprofen vs CelebrexIbuprofen vs ClaritinIbuprofen vs CoumadinIbuprofen vs DayquilIbuprofen vs DiclofenacIbuprofen vs IndocinIbuprofen vs LodineIbuprofen vs MeloxicamIbuprofen vs MobicIbuprofen vs NaproxenIbuprofen vs NorcoIbuprofen vs PercocetIbuprofen vs PlavixIbuprofen vs VicoprofenIbuprofen vs VoltarenRelafen vs IbuprofenCodeine vs NorcoDilaudid vs NorcoFentanyl vs NorcoLodine vs Acetaminophen With CodeineLodine vs ArthrotecLodine vs CelebrexLodine vs CoumadinLodine vs DiclofenacLodine vs PlavixMorphine vs Norco
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.