Learn about the generic drug Sulindac here, including dosage, side effects, and other pertinent information. Speak with your doctor first before starting or stopping this medication and any other. This site is purely informational and is not professional health advice. 
Sulindac (Clinoril)
Sulindac
What is Sulindac?
Sulindac (brand name Clinoril®) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by stopping the body’s production of an enzyme, cyclooxygenase, which makes prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that affect inflammation, muscle relaxation/contraction, and blood vessel contraction and dilation in the body.
Why is it prescribed?
Sulindac is generally prescribed for both short-term and long-term treatment of pain, swelling and fever. Specifically, it is usually prescribed to treat the symptoms caused by inflammation due to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other similar conditions. It is also often used for tendinitis and bursitis.
A less-common use of Sulindac is to reduce the number of polyps in the colon and rectum in patients with a condition known as familial adenomatous polyposis, where hundreds or thousands of polyps form in the colon, and which can lead to colon cancer.
What is the dosage?
Sulindac comes in a tablet form to be taken by mouth. The usual dosage for adults is 150 or 200 mg., given two times a day with meals. The maximum dose is 400 mg. daily. If you are taking it for arthritis, it can take up to a week or more before the drug takes full effect in controlling symptoms.
Contraindications
Do not use Sulindac if you have previously had an allergic reaction to it, aspirin or other NSAIDs such as naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), etc. Also be sure to tell your doctor of any other allergies you may have to either foods or medicines.
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Kidney stones
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Swelling of hands, arms, feet, ankles
- Ulcers or bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract
Also tell your doctor if you smoke. If you are planning on having surgery of any kind, tell your doctor you are taking Sulindac.
Interactions
Sulindac may interact with the following drugs. Please let your physician know if you are taking any of these drugs before starting Sulindac.
- Warfarin (Coumadin®) or other blood thinners
- Aspirin and other NSAIDs
- Steroid medications such as dexamethasone, prednisone or methylprednisolone.
- ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec®) and benazepril (Lotensin®)
- ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers), such as valsartan (Diovan®)
- Diuretics, e.g., furosemide (Lasix®) or hydrochlorothiazide
- Cyclosporine
- Methotrexate (Rheumatrex®
- Oral medications for diabetes
Side Effects
The following side effects may occur when taking Sulindac. Let your doctor know if any of these symptoms are serious or persistent:
- Headache or dizziness
- Nervousness
- Diarrhea, constipation or gas
- Tinnitus
If you suffer symptoms such as the following, call your doctor right away and stop taking Sulindac until you speak to your physician. These symptoms may indicate an allergic reaction, an overdose, liver or kidney problems, heart problems or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Vomiting of “coffee ground” substance
- Blood in stool or black/”tarry” stool
- Unexplained sudden weight gain
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sweating or flushing
- Muscle or joint pain
- Chest pain
- Blisters, rash, hives or itching
- Swelling in the throat, mouth or eyes
- Edema in the hands or other extremities
- Problems with swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Throat problems (huskiness in voice or hoarseness)
- Pale skin
- Tachycardia
- Severe tiredness, no energy
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling as if you have the flu
- Jaundice (a yellow color to the eyes or skin)
- Changes in urine color
- Problems with urination (pain, difficulty)
- Back pain
- Blurred vision
Sulindac and other NSAIDs may cause a higher risk of heart attack and stroke among those taking them, especially over long periods of time. Be sure to mention any heart-related symptoms to your doctor immediately.
References:
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=16461
