Sulindac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation in the body. It is used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It works by blocking the action of certain natural substances in the body that cause inflammation and pain. Sulindac may also be used to reduce fever and to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Sulindac is a medication used to treat inflammation and pain. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
Category: Sulindac falls under the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [1, 2, 3].
Uses: It's commonly prescribed to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by various conditions like:
- Osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) [1, 2, 3]
- Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammatory arthritis) [1, 2, 3]
- Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis affecting the spine) [2, 3]
- Acute gout (sudden and severe joint pain due to uric acid crystals) [3]
- Shoulder bursitis (inflammation of a fluid-filled sac in the shoulder) and tendinitis (inflammation of tendons) [3]
How it works: NSAIDs like sulindac work by reducing the body's production of chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, and fever [1, 2, 3].
Important to know:
- Sulindac is a prodrug, meaning it gets converted into its active form by the liver after consumption [2, 6].
- There might be some gastrointestinal side effects like other NSAIDs, but studies suggest it might be gentler on the stomach compared to some others (except COX-2 inhibitor NSAIDs) [6].
- It's crucial to consult a doctor before starting sulindac, especially if you have certain medical conditions or take other medications [2, 3].