$Unique_ID{BRK02163}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{TOLMETIN}
$Subject{Tolectin (McNeil)
Tolectin DS (McNeil)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Tolectin DS*0216301.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


TOLMETIN
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Tolectin (McNeil)
     Tolectin DS (McNeil)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic
INGREDIENT:
     tolmetin
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (200 mg)
     Capsules (400 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored in tightly closed containers at room
temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

USES

     Tolmetin is used to treat the inflammation (pain, swelling, and
stiffness) of certain types of arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendinitis.
Tolmetin has been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals that
may trigger pain.  However, it is not yet fully understood how tolmetin works.

TREATMENT

     You should take this medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes
before meals or two hours after meals, so that it gets into your bloodstream
quickly.  However, to decrease stomach irritation, your doctor may want you to
take the medicine with food or antacids.
     If you are taking tolmetin to relieve arthritis, you must take it
regularly, as directed by your doctor.  It may take up to two weeks before you
feel the full benefits of this medication.  Tolmetin does not cure arthritis,
but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it.
     It is important to take tolmetin 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.

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 your body adjusts to the drug, these side effects should
disappear.
     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, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.

     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; confusion; depression;
difficult or painful urination; difficulty in hearing; palpitations; ringing
or buzzing in the ears; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; swelling
of the feet; tightness in the chest; unexplained sore throat and fever;
unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue or weakness; unusual weight
gain; wheezing or difficulty in breathing; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Tolmetin interacts with several types of medications:
     1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) in combination with
tolmetin can lead to an increase in bleeding complications.
     2. Aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory medications can
increase the stomach irritation caused by tolmetin.
     3. Probenecid may increase blood levels of tolmetin, which may increase
the risk of side effects.
     4. The action of beta blockers may be decreased by this drug.
     5. This drug can interact with diuretics (water pills).
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Before you take this medication, it is important to tell your doctor if
you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to tolmetin or any of the
other chemically related drugs (including aspirin, other salicylates,
diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen,
meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone,
piroxicam, sulindac, or indomethacin).
     * 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 this drug 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.
     * Because this drug can prolong your bleeding time, it is important to
tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before having
surgery or any other medical or dental treatment.
     * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly
or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication.  These should,
therefore, 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
medicine in human pregnancy has not been established.  Side effects have been
observed in the offspring of animals that received this type of medication
during pregnancy.  If taken late in pregnancy, tolmetin can prolong labor.
Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of
tolmetin can pass into breast milk.

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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.
