$Unique_ID{BRK02144}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{SULINDAC}
$Subject{Clinoril (Merck Sharp & Dohme)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Clinoril*0214401.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


SULINDAC
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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

     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.
     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 your body adjusts to the medication, 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 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.

     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 action of beta blockers may be decreased by this drug.
     5. This drug may interact with diuretics (water pills).
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to
sulindac or any of the other chemically related drugs (including aspirin and
other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen,
ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, naproxen,
oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, or tolmetin).
     * 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.
     * Because this drug can prolong your bleeding time, tell your doctor or
dentist 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 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
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of sulindac 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.
