Clinoril

What side effects are possible with this medication?

A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone. The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away over time. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of the medication.

abdominal pain (mild) confusion constipation depression diarrhea difficulty urinating dizziness dry mouth gas headache

heartburn loss of appetite nausea skin itch and rash swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet tinnitus (ringing in ears) vertigo vomiting weight changes

Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Anemia: Sulindac may cause or worsen anemia (loss of red blood cells). People more prone to anemia should get their blood tested regularly and check for signs of anemia (e.g., weakness and tiredness) while taking this medication.

Asthma: The use of NSAIDs or aspirin has worsened symptoms of asthma and the condition. People with asthma should use caution while taking this medication.

Heart attack and stroke: People who take NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors have a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. The risk for these side effects is higher with larger total daily doses and longer treatment periods. People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or who are planning to have open heart (bypass) surgery should be closely monitored by their doctors while taking this medication.

Heart failure and fluid retention: People with heart failure, high blood pressure, or fluid retention may experience edema (swelling of the lower legs, ankles, and feet) or shortness of breath while taking NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors. If you develop any of these symptoms while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Kidney disease: Long-term use of sulindac or other NSAIDs can cause kidney damage and thus is not recommended. In general, NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors are not recommended for people with severe kidney disease or limited kidney function.

Liver disease: Sulindac may affect your liver test results and worsen liver disease. People with liver disease should be closely monitored by their doctors while taking this medication.

Medical conditions: Make sure you tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following conditions:

• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• mixed connective tissue disease

Stomach ulcers: Sulindac may cause stomach problems such as ulcers or bleeding. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain or vomit blood or notice any black tarry stools. The use of aspirin, corticosteroids, or blood thinners at the same time as sulindac will increase the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding and thus is not recommended. The risk of stomach ulcer increases with higher total daily doses and longer treatment periods.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it immediately and call your doctor.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

There may be an interaction between sulindac and any of the following:

• ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril, ramipril)
• alcohol
• angiotensin II blockers (e.g., losartan, telmisartan, candesartan)
• aspirin and other salicylate medications
• corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
• cyclosporine
• digoxin
• DSMO
• furosemide
• lithium
• methotrexate
• other NSAIDs (e.g., diflunisal)
• probenecid
• thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
• warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.