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Also indexed as: Clinoril
Sulindac is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, a rheumatic disorder involving the spine and large joints. It also treats both acute painful shoulder and gouty arthritis. Sulindac is in a class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. | Potassium* |
 Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. | Alcohol Lithium* White willow* |
 Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. | Folic acid* |
| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
| Supportive interaction | None known |
| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Potassium
Four people who took sulindac developed high blood levels of potassium, which returned to normal within a few days after the drug was stopped.1 Controlled research is needed to determine whether potassium supplements or a high potassium diet might aggravate this problem. Until more information is available, people taking sulindac and potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, or large amounts of fruits and vegetables should have potassium blood levels checked regularly by their doctor.
Folic acid
Sulindac blocks the activity of enzymes that depend on folic acid2 and may, like aspirin, reduce the amount of folic acid in red blood cells.3 Further research is needed to determine whether supplementing folic acid changes the effects of sulindac therapy or prevents a deficiency of this vitamin in the body.
Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts to treat mood disorders such as manic-depression (bipolar disorder). Most NSAIDs inhibit the excretion of lithium from the body, resulting in higher blood levels of the mineral, though sulindac may have an opposite effect.4 Since major changes in lithium blood levels can produce unwanted side effects or interfere with its efficacy, NSAIDs should be used with caution, and only under medical supervision, in people taking lithium supplements.
White willow bark (Salix alba)
White willow bark contains salicin, which is related to aspirin. Both salicin and aspirin produce anti-inflammatory effects after they have been converted to salicylic acid in the body. The administration of salicylates like aspirin to individuals taking oral NSAIDs may result in reduced blood levels of NSAIDs.5 Though no studies have investigated interactions between white willow bark and NSAIDs, people taking NSAIDs should avoid the herb until more information is available.
Green tea
Current research is exploring the possibility sulindac and other NSAIDs might inhibit cancer growth.6 7 Test tube studies have shown catechins, which are compounds found in green tea, significantly enhance the ability of sulindac to cause the death of and inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells.8 Controlled research is needed to determine whether green tea and sulindac might inhibit the growth of certain cancers in humans.
Alcohol
Drinking large quantities of alcoholic beverages over a long period may block the breakdown of sulindac, resulting in higher than normal blood levels of the drug.9 Consequently, side effects and tissue damage caused by sulindac might occur unless an adjustment is made in the amount of drug taken each day.
1. Nesher G, Zimran A, Hershko C. Hyperkalemia associated with sulindac therapy. J Rheumatol 1986;13:1084–5.
2. Baggott JE, Morgan SL, Ha T et al. Inhibition of folate-dependent enzymes by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Biochem J 1992;282:197–202.
3. Alter HJ, Zvaifler NJ, Rath CE. Interrelationship of rheumatoid arthritis, folic acid, and aspirin. Blood 1971;38:405–16.
4. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172–90.
5. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents, In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1172–90.
6. Lim JT, Piazza GA, Han EK et al. Sulindac derivatives inhibit growth and induce apoptosis in human prostate cancer cell lines. Biochem Pharmacol 1999;58:1097–107.
7. Ahnen DJ. Colon cancer prevention by NSAIDs: what is the mechanism of action? Eur J Surg Suppl 1998;582:111–4.
8. Suganuma M, Okabe S, Sueoka N et al. Green tea and cancer chemoprevention. Mutat Res 1999;428:339–44.
9. Gallanosa AG, Spyker DA. Sulindac hepatotoxicity: a case report and review. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1985;23:205–38.
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Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.
