$Unique_ID{BRK03340} $Pretitle{} $Title{sulindac} $Subject{Clinoril Merck Sharp Dohme Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic sulindac inflammation pain swelling stiffness arthritis gout bursitis tendinitis prostaglandins} $Volume{} $Log{ Clinoril*0334001.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. sulindac ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Clinoril (Merck Sharp & Dohme) TYPE OF DRUG Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic INGREDIENT sulindac DOSAGE FORM Tablets (150 mg and 200 mg) STORAGE This medication should be stored in a closed container at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. USES Sulindac is used to treat the inflammation (pain, swelling, and stiffness) of certain types of arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendinitis. Sulindac has been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals, called prostaglandins, that may trigger pain. However, it is not fully understood how sulindac works. TREATMENT To decrease stomach irritation, your doctor may want you to take this medication with food or antacids. It is important to take sulindac on schedule and not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. If you are taking sulindac to relieve arthritis, you must take it regularly, as directed by your doctor. It may take up to three weeks for you to feel the full benefits of this medication. Sulindac does not cure arthritis, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, unusual sweating, or vomiting. As you adjust to the medication, these side effects should stop. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). If you become dizzy or light-headed while taking this drug, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position; and be careful on stairs. Also, be especially careful when driving an automobile or operating potentially dangerous equipment. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; chills; confusion; depression; difficulty in breathing; difficulty in hearing; difficult or painful urination; palpitations; ringing or buzzing in the ears; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; swelling; tightness in the chest; unexplained sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue or weakness; unusual weight gain; vaginal bleeding; wheezing; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Sulindac interacts with several types of medications: 1. The combination of anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) and sulindac can lead to an increase in bleeding complications. 2. Aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory medications can cause an increase in stomach irritation. 3. Probenecid can increase the amount of sulindac in the bloodstream when the drugs are taken concurrently. 4. The blood-pressure-lowering effects of beta blockers may be decreased by this drug. 5. This medication may interact with diuretics (water pills) and cause an increase in the effects of the diuretic. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to sulindac or any of the other chemically related medications (including aspirin and other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal, etodoloc, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, nabumetone, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, and tolmetin). * Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had asthma, bleeding problems, colitis, stomach ulcers or other stomach problems, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, or Parkinson's disease. * If sulindac makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * Be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication before having surgery or any other type of medical or dental treatment. * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin or other salicylates regularly or drink alcoholic beverages while being treated with this medication. These should be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The safe use of this medication in human pregnancy has not been established. Side effects have been observed in the development of bones and organs in the offspring of animals that received sulindac during pregnancy. If taken late in pregnancy, this type of drug can also prolong labor. Also, tell your doctor if you are currently breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of sulindac have been shown to pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.