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|Sulindac Sulindac

Sulindac

Generic name: Sulindac
Brand names: Clinoril

Why is Sulindac prescribed?

Sulindac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), and ankylosing spondylitis (stiffness and progressive arthritis of the spine). It is also used to treat bursitis, tendinitis, acute gouty arthritis, and other types of pain.

The safety and effectiveness of Sulindac in the treatment of people with severe, incapacitating rheumatoid arthritis have not been established.

Most important fact about Sulindac

You should have frequent checkups with your doctor if you take Sulindac regularly. Ulcers or internal bleeding can occur without warning.

How should you take Sulindac?

Take Sulindac exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you are using Sulindac for arthritis, it should be taken regularly.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Do not store in damp places like the bathroom.

What side effects may occur?

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 Sulindac.

• More common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, indigestion, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, ringing in ears, stomach cramps, swelling due to fluid retention, vomiting

Why should Sulindac not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Sulindac, aspirin, or similar drugs, or if you have had asthma attacks caused by aspirin or other drugs of this type, you should not take Sulindac. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Special warnings about Sulindac

Stomach ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning, especially if you are 65 or older. These and other side effects are also more likely if you have poor kidney function.

This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease; it can cause liver inflammation in some people.

Do not take aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications while taking Sulindac, unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Sulindac can hide the signs and symptoms of an infection. Be sure your doctor knows about any infection you may have.

Sulindac can cause vision problems. If you experience a change in your vision, inform your doctor.

If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, Sulindac can increase water retention. Use with caution.

If you develop pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), Sulindac should be stopped immediately and not restarted.

Sulindac may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. If this happens, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Sulindac

If Sulindac 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 Sulindac with the following:

Aspirin
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
Diflunisal (Dolobid)
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Lithium
Loop diuretics such as Lasix
Methotrexate
Oral diabetes medications
Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aleve, Motrin, others)
The anti-gout medication Benemid

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Sulindac during pregnancy have not been adequately studied; drugs of this class are known to cause birth defects. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Sulindac may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Sulindac is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Sulindac is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis

Starting dosage is 150 milligrams 2 times a day. Take with food. Doses should not exceed 400 milligrams per day.

Acute Gouty Arthritis or Arthritic Shoulder and Joint Condition

400 milligrams daily taken in doses of 200 milligrams 2 times a day.

For acute painful shoulder, therapy lasting 7 to 14 days is usually adequate.

For acute gouty arthritis, therapy lasting 7 days is usually adequate.

The lowest dose that proves beneficial should be used.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Sulindac 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 Sulindac overdose may include:
  Coma, low blood pressure, reduced output of urine, stupor