What is sulindac?
Sulindac is in a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Sulindac works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
Sulindac is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, bursitis, or gout.
Sulindac may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about sulindac?
This medicine may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term. Do not use sulindac just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.
This medicine may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking sulindac, especially in older adults.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of stomach bleeding such as black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sulindac?
Do not use sulindac just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).
This medicine may cause life-threatening heart or circulation problems such as heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term.
This medicine may also cause serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and can occur without warning while you are taking sulindac, especially in older adults.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to sulindac, or to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
To make sure you can safely take sulindac, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
heart disease, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure;
a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding, bowel problems, diverticulosis;
liver or kidney disease;
asthma;
polyps in your nose; or
if you smoke.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sulindac will harm an unborn baby. Taking sulindac during the last 3 months of pregnancy may result in birth defects. Do not take sulindac during pregnancy unless your doctor has told you to.
It is not known whether sulindac passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to a child without the advice of a doctor.