Lodine, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is available in regular and extended-release forms (Lodine XL). Both forms are used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain of osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) and rheumatoid arthritis. Regular Lodine is also used to relieve pain in other situations.
		You should have frequent checkups with your doctor if you take Lodine regularly. Ulcers or internal bleeding can occur without warning.
		Your doctor may ask you to take Lodine with food or an antacid, and with a full glass of water. Never take it on an empty stomach. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. You should see results in 1 to 2 weeks. If you are using Lodine for arthritis, it should be taken regularly. * If you miss a dose... Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose. * Storage instructions... Store at room temperature. Protect capsules from moisture. Protect Lodine tablets from light; protect Lodine XL tablets from excessive heat and humidity.
		Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Lodine. More common side effects may include: Abdominal pain, black stools, blurred vision, chills, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, gas, increased frequency of urination, indigestion, itching, nausea, nervousness, rash, ringing in ears, painful or difficult urination, vomiting, weakness. Less common or rare side effects may include: Abdominal bleeding, abnormal intolerance of light, anemia, asthma, blood disorders, congestive heart failure, dry mouth, fainting, flushing, hepatitis and other liver problems, high blood pressure, high blood sugar in some diabetics, hives, inability to sleep, inflamed blood vessels, inflammation of mouth or upper intestine, kidney problems, including kidney failure, loss of appetite, peptic ulcer, rapid heartbeat, rash, severe allergic reactions, skin disorders including increased pigmentation, sleepiness, Stevens-Johnson syndrome (peeling skin), sweating, swelling (fluid retention), thirst, visual disturbances, yellowed skin and eyes.
		If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Lodine, or if you have had asthma attacks, hives, or other allergic reactions caused by aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, you should not take this medication; it might cause a severe allergic reaction. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced; and be careful about taking this drug if you have asthma--even if you've never had a drug reaction before. If you do suffer an allergic reaction, call for emergency help immediately.
		Peptic ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning. You may have other problems with bleeding as well. Call your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of stomach or intestinal ulcers or bleeding, blurred vision or other eye problems, skin rash, weight gain, or fluid retention and swelling. This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease; and it can cause liver inflammation in some people. Do not take aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications while taking Lodine, unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you are taking Lodine over an extended period of time, your doctor should check your blood for anemia. This drug can increase water retention. Use with caution if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.
		If Lodine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lodine with the following: Aspirin Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral) Digoxin (Lanoxin) Lithium (Lithobid, others) Methotrexate Phenylbutazone (Butazolidin) The blood-thinning drug warfarin (Coumadin)
		ADULTS * General Pain Relief: Take 200 to 400 milligrams every 6 to 8 hours as needed. Ordinarily, you should not take more than 1,000 milligrams a day, although your doctor may increase the dose to 1,200 milligrams a day if absolutely necessary. * Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: The starting dose of Lodine is 300 milligrams 2 or 3 times a day, or 400 or 500 milligrams twice a day. The usual daily maximum ranges from 600 to 1,000 milligrams, although your doctor may prescribe as much as 1,200 milligrams a day if necessary. The usual dose of Lodine XL is 400 to 1,200 milligrams taken once a day. Your doctor will stick with the lowest dose that proves effective. CHILDREN The safety and effectiveness of Lodine have not been established in children. Overdosage... Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Lodine overdose may include: Drowsiness, lethargy, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting.
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