Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Sulindac is a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID) that is used for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. Other
NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen)
as well as others. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, chemicals
that are produced by the body and are responsible for pain, fever, and
inflammation. Sulindac blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase),
resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence,
inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. Sulindac was approved by the FDA in
September 1978.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: tablets: 150 and 200 mg
STORAGE: Sulndac should be stored in a sealed container and protected
from moisture at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Sulindac is used for the short and long term treatment
of pain and fever. It also is used to treat the pain, fever, and swelling and
tenderness of joints caused by the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis,
ankylosing spondylitis,
gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, and acute painful
shoulder. It also is used for inflammation of soft tissues such as tendinitis
and bursitis.
DOSING: The usual adult dose is 150 or 200 mg given twice daily with
meals. The maximum dose is 400 mg daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Sulindac may increase the blood levels of lithium (Eskalith,
Lithobid) by reducing the elimination of lithium by the kidneys. Increased
levels of lithium may lead to lithium toxicity.
Sulindac may reduce the blood pressure lowering effects of blood pressure
medications. This may occur because prostaglandins have a role in the regulation
(reduction) of blood pressure. Combining NSAIDs such as sulindac with
angiotensin receptor blockers (for example, valsartan [Diovan], losartan [Cozaar],
irbesartan [Avapro]) or
angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (for
example, enalapril [Vasotec], captopril [Capoten]) in patients who are elderly,
fluid-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with poor kidney
function may result in reduced kidney function, including kidney failure. These
effects usually are reversible.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease.
Gout is a condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Gout is a condition that can lead to abnormally elevated levels of uric acid in the
blood, recurring attacks of joint inflammation (arthritis), deposits of
hard lumps of uric acid in and around the joints, and decreased kidney
function and kidney stones.
Bursitis of the hip results when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) near the hip becomes inflamed due to localized soft tissue trauma or strain. Symptoms include stiffness and pain around the hip joint. If the hip bursa is not infected, hip bursitis can be treated with ice compresses, rest, and antiinflammatory and pain medications.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of body tissues caused by autoimmune disease. Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous
system. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus.
When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE).
Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within 24 hours) to severe (which can require surgical repair). Tendinitis of the ankle can be caused by trauma or inflammation.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of
cartilage in the joints. Also known as degenerative arthritis. Osteoarthritis
can be caused by aging, heredity, and injury from trauma or disease.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes chronic inflammation of the spine. The tendency to develop ankylosing spondylitis is genetically inherited.
Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that causes skin and joint inflammation. Symptoms include painful, stiff, and swollen joints, tendinitis, and organ inflammation. Treatment involves antiinflammatory medications and exercise.
Shoulder bursitis is inflammation of the shoulder bursa. Bursitis may be caused by injury, infection, or a rheumatic condition. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, and pain with movement of the shoulder joint. Treatment may involve ice compresses, rest, and antiinflammatory medications and depends on whether there is an infection.
Bursitis of the knee results when any of the three fluid-filled sacs (bursae) become inflamed due to injury or strain. Symptoms include pain, swelling, warmth, tenderness, and redness. Treatment of knee bursitis depends on whether infection is involved. If the knee bursa is not infected, knee bursitis may be treated with ice compresses, rest, and antiinflammatory and pain medications.
Reactive arthritis is a chronic, systemic rheumatic disease characterized by three conditions, including conjunctivitis, joint inflammation, and genital, urinary or gastrointestinal system inflammation. Inflammation leads to pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and stiffness of the affected joints. Non-joint areas may experience irritation and pain. Treatment for reactive arthritis depends on which area of the body is affected. Joint inflammation is treated with antiinflammatory medications.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed medications for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and more. One common side effect of NSAIDs is peptic ulcer (ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum). Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and patient safety information should be reviewed prior to taking NSAIDs.
Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by acute and chronic
inflammation of various tissues of the body. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses
that occur when the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune system. The
immune system is a complex system within the body that is designed to fight
infectious agents, such as bacteria and other foreign microbes. One of the ways
that the immune system fights infections is by producing antibodies that bind to
the microbes. People with lupus produce abnormal antibodies in their blood
that target tissues within their own body rather than foreign infectious agents.
Because the antibodies and accompanying cells of inflammation can affect tissues
anywhere in the body, lupus has the potential to affect a variety of areas.
Sometimes lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints,
and/or nervous system. When only the skin is involved, the conditi...
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