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Compare Lodine vs. Celebrex

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

Key takeaways

Etodolac (formerly known as Lodine) and Celecoxib (Celebrex) are prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both are used to treat pain and inflammation, however, they have several differences between them. Etodolac is available only as a generic and comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms. Celecoxib is available as both a brand (Celebrex) and a lower-cost generic. Etodolac can cause stomach issues and is not recommended for people with certain health conditions. Unlike etodolac, celecoxib has fewer stomach problems and is also used to treat a wider range of conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis and menstrual cramps. Children as young as 2 years old can take celecoxib for certain conditions, while the extended-release form of etodolac is safe for children who are at least 6 years of age. Both medications carry risks of heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding, but Celecoxib has a lower risk of causing stomach ulcers. You should avoid alcohol with both medications to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding.

Etodolac
Celebrex (celecoxib)
Etodolac
Celebrex (celecoxib)
Summary of Lodine vs. Celebrex
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.
Summary for COX-2 selective NSAID
Prescription only
Celecoxib, also known by the brand name Celebrex, is a prescription pain medication that's used to temporarily relieve aches and pains from certain conditions, such as different types of arthritis. Celebrex (celecoxib) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), but it has a lower risk of causing stomach upset than other medications in its drug class, such as naproxen. The dosage for Celebrex (celecoxib) is typically once or twice a day. It's recommended to avoid taking this medication with alcohol since it can raise your risk for stomach bleeding. Other side effects include headache, indigestion, and diarrhea.
Indications of Lodine vs. Celebrex
Indications for

•Osteoarthritis (OA)

•Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

•Juvenile idiopathic arthritis - extended-release only

•Short-term pain - immediate-release only

Indications for

•Osteoarthritis (OA)

•Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

•Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)

•Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

•Sudden pain

•Menstrual cramps
Pros and Cons of Lodine vs. Celebrex
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

Pros and Const for COX-2 selective NSAID
Pros

•Can use for different types of arthritis

•Fewer stomach side effects compared to some other NSAIDs

•Safe to take for children 2 years and older with RA

•Can open capsules and mix contents with applesauce, so it's convenient for people with difficulty swallowing pills

Cons

•Can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke

•Not recommended during second and third trimesters of pregnancy

•Not recommended for use if you have severe liver disease

•Might not be safe for people with a sulfa allergy
Common Side Effects of Lodine vs. Celebrex
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

Common Side Effects for
Adults

•Headache (16%)

•Indigestion (9%)

•Upper respiratory infection (8%)

•Diarrhea (6%)

•Sinus infection (congestion, runny nose; 5%)

•Belly pain (4%)

Children

•Headache (13%)

•Fever (8%)

•Belly pain (4-8%)

•Cough (7%)

•Nausea (7%)

•Diarrhea (5%)

•Common cold (stuffy nose, sneezing; 5%)
Warnings of Lodine vs. Celebrex
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

Common Side Effects for

•Heart attack and stroke

•Stomach bleeding and ulcers

•Liver problems

•High blood pressure and heart failure

•Kidney damage and high potassium levels

•Severe allergic reactions

•Severe asthma attack

•Harm to unborn babies
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Compare Lodine vs. Celebrex

Key takeaways

Summary of Lodine vs. Celebrex

Indications of Lodine vs. Celebrex

Pros and Cons of Lodine vs. Celebrex

Common Side Effects of Lodine vs. Celebrex

Warnings of Lodine vs. Celebrex

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