Trade name Clinoril.
Oral agent.
Bioavailability approximately 90%.
Biological half-life 7.8 hours with metabolites up to 16.4 hours
Excretion by renal (50%) and fecal (25%) sources.
A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug of the arylalkanoic acid class.
Useful in the treatment of acute or chronic inflammatory conditions.
A prodrug, derived from sulfinylindene.
Converted in the body to the active NSAID.
Converted by liver enzymes to a sulfide that is excreted in the bile and then reabsorbed from the intestine, and maintains constant blood levels with reduced gastrointestinal side effects.
Some studies have shown sulindac to be relatively less irritating to the stomach than other NSAIDs.
Thought to act on enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
Usual dosage is 150-200 milligrams twice per day, with food.
Should be used with caution by persons having pre-existing peptic ulcer disease.
More likely than other NSAIDs to cause damage to the liver or pancreas.
Less likely to cause kidney damage than other NSAIDs.
Has a property, independent of COX-inhibition, of reducing the growth of polyps and precancerous lesions in the colon, especially in association with familial adenomatous polyposis.
Is an effective tocolytic and may be used in the treatment of preterm labor.