For acute or long-term use in the relief of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute painful shoulder (acute subacromial bursitis/supraspinatus tendinitis), and acute gouty arthritis.
Sulindac's exact mechanism of action is unknown. Its antiinflammatory effects are believed to be due to inhibition of both COX-1 and COX-2 which leads to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Antipyretic effects may be due to action on the hypothalamus, resulting in an increased peripheral blood flow, vasodilation, and subsequent heat dissipation.
Acute oral toxicity (LD<sub>50</sub>) in rats is 264 mg/kg. Cases of overdose have been reported and rarely, deaths have occurred. The following signs and symptoms may be observed following overdose: stupor, coma, diminished urine output and hypotension.
Approximately 90% absorbed in humans following oral administration.
The mean half-life of sulindac is 7.8 hours while the mean half-life of the sulfide metabolite is 16.4 hours.
Sulindac is excreted in rat milk; concentrations in milk were 10 to 20% of those levels in plasma. It is not known if sulindac is excreted in human milk. Approximately 50% of the administered dose of sulindac is excreted in the urine with the conjugated sulfone metabolite accounting for the major portion. Hepatic metabolism is an important elimination pathway.
* Renal cl=68.12 +/- 27.56 mL/min [NORMAL (19-41 yrs)]