Brand
Clinoril
Apo-Sulin (Canada)
Novo-Sundac (Canada)
Availability
Comes in human form: 100 mg, 150 mg, or 200 mg tablets
Pharmacology
Sulindac is a non-steroidal, anti-rheumatic agent. It possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic properties. Its theraputic action is interference with the formation of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances that occur naturally in the body that cause inflammation, and make nerves more sensitive to pain impulses.
In rats, sulindac was found to cross placental barrier minimally, and to be excreted in rat maternal milk. It is also found to be excreted in urine.
Indications
Primary use: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Colorectal tumors/polyps
(In cases where surgical removal of the tumor/polyps is not an option, this drug may be helpful in providing comfort to the rat by: inhibiting the rate of growth and formation, and allowing for passage of feces.)
Drug Interactions or Contraindications
Not recommended where active gastrointestinal bleeding is present.
The concomitant use of sulindac with other NSAIDs is not recommended due to the increased possibility of gastrointestinal toxicity.
Due to fluid retention properties of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), the effect of diuretics may be reduced, and increased dosage of diuretics may be needed. Care should be taken if a rat has been placed on Lasix, or hydrochlorothiazide.
Adverse Reactions
CV: heart failure, edema (swelling).
GI: ulcers, occult blood loss, constipation, loss of appetite.
GU: interstitial nephritis.
Skin: pruritus (itching)
Other: prolongs bleeding time.
Dosage Recommendations
Side effects with Sulindac tend to be dose related. Therefore, it is advisable to use the lowest dose required to achieve desired response.
5 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg , PO, once dailya
Considerations
Drug should be given with food.
Care should be taken if giving to a rat where liver and/or renal impairment is thought to be present.
*Note: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines may mask clinical signs of infection. It is often recommended , if deciding to use NSAIDS or steroids in rats long term, to add a broad-spectrum antibiotic as part of the treatment regimen.
Sulindac (like other medications of similar characteristics) should be discontinued prior to any type of surgery, in rats, due to mild interference with clotting.
Keep container tightly closed, and protect from sunlight and heat.
Notify veterinarian if bruising or bleeding occurs in rat while on this medication.
References
For information regarding toxicological studies in rats see following:
Data Sheet
CLINORIL®
Animal Toxicology
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/Datasheet/c/Clinoriltab.htm
a.Sulindac inhibits the rate of growth and appearance of colon tumors in the rat
S. A. Skinner, A. G. Penney and P. E. O’Brien
Department of Surgery, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia.
http://archsurg.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/126/9/1094
Posted on July 2, 2005, 17:47,
Last updated on June 18, 2008, 21:30
| NSAIDS
