Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Sulindac is a medication belonging to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is prescribed to alleviate pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Sulindac can also be utilized for the treatment of shoulder pain resulting from bursitis and tendinitis, as well as the relief of gouty arthritis symptoms. The mechanism of action of sulindac involves inhibition of the body’s synthesis of a pain-inducing, fever-causing, and inflammation-triggering substance.
Uses and Dosage
Please follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the administration of this medication, taking it orally. Typically, it is taken twice daily, accompanied by a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters), unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Refrain from lying down for a minimum of 10 minutes after taking the medication. In the event of stomach upset, take the medication with food, milk, or an antacid.
The prescribed dosage is determined based on your specific medical condition and response to treatment. To minimize the risk of stomach bleeding and other potential side effects, it is crucial to take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary. Under no circumstances should you increase your dosage or exceed the prescribed frequency or duration of use. Have a discussion with your doctor or pharmacist regarding the risks and benefits associated with this medication.
For certain conditions, such as arthritis, it may take 1-2 weeks of regular medication usage to experience the full therapeutic benefits.
If you are taking this medication on an “as-needed” basis (rather than following a regular schedule), note that pain medications are most effective when taken at the initial signs of pain. Delaying administration until the pain intensifies may diminish the medicine’s efficacy.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- headache
- dizziness
- nervousness
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas
- ringing in the ears
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- unexplained weight gain
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- swelling of the abdomen, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- fever
- chills
- cough
- sweating
- flushing
- muscle or joint pain
- chest pain
- blisters
- rash
- itching
- hives
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or hands
- difficulty swallowing
- hoarseness
- pale skin
- fast heartbeat
- excessive tiredness
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- lack of energy
- upset stomach
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- flu-like symptoms
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
- back pain
- difficult or painful urination
- blurred vision or other problems with sight
Caution
Prior to initiating sulindac treatment, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies to sulindac, aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or celecoxib, as well as any other allergies you may have. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could elicit allergic reactions or other complications.
Before using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of asthma, blood disorders, nasal polyps, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney stones, liver disease, stroke, swelling, or stomach/intestinal/esophagus problems.
The use of NSAID medications, including sulindac, may lead to kidney problems. The risk of such problems is higher if you are dehydrated, have heart failure or kidney disease, are an older adult, or if you are taking certain medications. To prevent dehydration, ensure you consume an ample amount of fluids as directed by your doctor, and promptly notify your doctor if you observe pink/bloody urine or experience any unusual changes in urine output.
This drug may cause dizziness. Consumption of alcohol or marijuana can further enhance dizziness. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can safely do so.
This medication may result in stomach bleeding. Regular use of alcohol and tobacco, especially in combination with this medication, can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Limit alcohol consumption and discontinue smoking.
Use of this medication may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Minimize sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, apply sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Promptly inform your doctor if you experience sunburn or develop skin blisters/redness.
Older adults may face an increased risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, and stroke while using this medication.
Women of childbearing age should discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication with their doctor(s) prior to treatment initiation. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication may harm an unborn baby and cause complications during labor and delivery. Its use is not recommended from the 20th week of pregnancy until delivery. If your doctor determines that you need to use this medication between the 20th and 30th weeks of pregnancy, the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration should be prescribed. This medication should not be used after the 30th week of pregnancy.
It is unknown whether this medication passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Form and Strength
Clinoril is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
sulindac tablet:
- 150mg
FAQ
Can I take Clinoril and ibuprofen at the same time?
Taking both sulindac and ibuprofen is typically not recommended. These medications are NSAIDs and taking them together can raise your risk of serious side effects, such as stroke, heart attack, and stomach bleeds.
Does Clinoril make you sleepy?
Sulindac oral tablets don’t cause drowsiness, but it can cause other side effects.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/sulindac/what-is#faqs
- https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/sulindac-oral-tablet#:~:text=Sulindac%20oral%20tablet%20doesn%27t,can%20cause%20other%20side%20effects
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681037.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-10330/clinoril-oral/details
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sulindac-oral-route/description/drg-20069763
- https://www.drugs.com/cdi/clinoril.html
