Sulindac Vs Ibuprofen

Introduction

Ibuprofen and Sulindac are NSAIDs used to treat inflammation or pain caused by arthritis. Sulindac can also treat pain caused by tendinitis, spondylitis, ankylosing, bursitis, or gout. Ibuprofen relieves you of mild to moderate pain. It is also used for treating primary menstrual cramps.

Both drugs share similar side effects. Some of them include nausea, stomach pain, gas, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, bloating, constipation, etc. Some side effects of Sulindac that differ from Ibuprofen include sweating, dry mouth, upset stomach, and runny nose.

About Sulindac and Ibuprofen

What Is Sulindac?

The alternative name for this drug is Imbaral. It is an NSAID of the Arylalkanoic acid class. It was approved for medical use in 1978. Sulindac is usually taken orally. However, you must follow the prescription label directions carefully. While the drug helps control arthritis, it doesn’t cure the condition. The complete benefits of taking the drug may arise almost a week later.

What Conditions Is Sulindac Approved to Treat?

Sulindac is approved to treat the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Gout
• Shoulder Pain
• Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ever since its approval in 1978, this anti-inflammatory pain reliever has been sold under the brand name "Clinoril."

How Does Sulindac Work for Osteoarthritis?

Sulindac works by lowering levels of prostaglandin, a hormone-like substance that causes inflammation. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug works by blocking the production of certain substances that lead to inflammation. As a result, there is decreased pain, swelling, and fever. However, the dosage is based on the type of medical condition and the overall response to treatment.

What Is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is another NSAID sold under the brand name Advil, Motrin etc. It was first launched in 1969 in the UK and then in 1974 in the USA. It also helps relieve symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea and Osteoarthritis.

This over-the-counter drug is safe to consume. Furthermore, it contains both R- and S-enantiomers. It is widely used to relieve pain from conditions like:

• Toothaches
• Backaches
• Sports-related injuries
• Menstrual cramps

What Conditions Is Ibuprofen Approved to Treat?

Ibuprofen is an approved NSAID used for treating a range of conditions. Here are some of them:

• Fever
• Migraine
• Gastric ulcer
• Cystic fibrosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Menstrual distress
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Orthostatic hypotension

How Does Ibuprofen Work for Osteoarthritis?

The specific mechanism of this drug is unknown. However, like most NSAIDs, it also works by blocking the production of certain substances. It blocks the production of prostanoids, substances that cause pain in the affected muscles.

Since it is also a COX inhibitor, it inhibits the activity of COX-1 and 2. As a result, pain, inflammation, swelling, and fever are significantly reduced. However, the inhibition of the former can cause side effects.

Effectiveness

How Effective Are Sulindac and Ibuprofen in Treating Osteoarthritis?

The primary reason for seeking treatment in osteoarthritis patients is pain. Management may involve physical, psychological, and at times, surgical measures. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents play a very crucial role in the treatment and management of pain. Both Sulindac and Ibuprofen are at the forefront of these agents. They play a vital role in treating Osteoarthritis.

Here’s what a study revealed about the effectiveness of both Sulindac and Ibuprofen. The study consisted of 46 patients. 17 of them were male, and 29 were female. This controlled clinical study compared Sulindac with Ibuprofen and soluble aspirin. Twenty patients received Sulindac 200 mg twice daily. Twelve received 100 mg twice daily, and 8 received Ibuprofen 400 mg thrice every day. 6 were given soluble aspirin 600 mg thrice daily.

While all patients responded well to these drugs, the ones who received Sulindac 200 mg showed much better response. Furthermore, it had the same efficiency as soluble aspirin and Ibuprofen. However, it had fewer side effects. Patients only needed to take it twice a day because of the prolonged duration of the action.

Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is often as effective as the comparison agent. It has excellent tolerability and very few adverse reactions.

Dosage information

How Is Sulindac Administered for Osteoarthritis?

Sulindac is typically administered orally. The dosage is usually raised or lowered based on the response.

How Is Ibuprofen Administered for Osteoarthritis?

Ibuprofen can be administered in many forms. It's available as drops, pills, suspensions, and chewables. Dosage is different for adults and children. The brand name for Ibuprofen is Motrin. The absorption rate of most medicines is reduced when taken with a meal.

Side Effects

NSAIDs are not without their side effects.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Sulindac?

Some of the common side effects of this medication include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Upset stomach
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Nervousness
• Headache
• Skin itching
• Runny nose
• Ringing in the ears
• Blurred vision
• Increased sweating

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Sulindac?

* If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately

• Black stools
• Severe abdominal pain
• Decreased urination
• Swelling of the feet, fingers, face
• Skin rash
• Weight gain
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Vomiting blood

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Ibuprofen?

Some of the common side effects of this medication include:

• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion

Ibuprofen is not considered a safe alternative for adults above 60 years or pregnant women.

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Ibuprofen?

* If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Vertigo
• Drowsiness (somnolence)
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Loss of consciousness
• Tinnitus
• CNS depression
• Convulsions and seizures

Pediatric patients don’t usually experience any serious side effects. If they do, they may consist of the following:

• Dyspnea
• Acute renal failure
• Hyperkalemia
• Apnea
• Respiratory depression
• Metabolic acidosis
• Abnormal hepatic function

Contraindications and Interactions

Warnings and General Precautions for Sulindac and Ibuprofen

Precautions for Sulindac

The safety and efficacy of this drug for the pediatric population haven't been established yet. However, adults should let their healthcare professionals know if they've had allergies to food, animals, preservatives, dyes, etc.

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. They may also develop kidney issues and may need their dose adjusted.

Generally, no two medications should be used together unless specified by a healthcare professional. Make sure not to take Sulindac with the following medications:

• Abciximab
• Aspirin
• Bufexamac
• Bumetanide
• Cortisone
• Desirudin
• Duloxetine
• Etodolac
• Furosemide
• Ginkgo
• Gossypol
• Hydroflumethiazide
• Lepirudin
• Magnesium Salicylate
• Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
• Nortriptyline
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Trimipramine
• Trolamine Salicylate
• Valdecoxib
• Venlafaxine
• Vilazodone
• Vorapaxar
• Vortioxetine
• Warfarin
• Xipamide, etc.

Precautions for Ibuprofen

Regular follow-ups are necessary to check progress. This will help your healthcare professional decide if you should continue taking medicine. Urine and blood tests can also be used to see any unwanted effects.

People who have heart disease may be prone to a stroke or heart attack due to this medicine. Using the medication for a long time may also elevate their risk of a stroke or attack. Ibuprofen can also lead to bleeding in the intestines and stomach, especially if a person has a stomach ulcer.

It may also cause serious skin reactions. Look for signs of peeling, blistering, cough, chills, loosening of the skin, lesions, unusual tiredness, and white spots. Ibuprofen can also lead to a serious type of reaction called anaphylaxis. While it is rare, it can occur in patients allergic to aspirin.

Having this medicine during pregnancy can significantly harm the unborn baby. Furthermore, it’s important to check with your doctor if you have the following symptoms:

• Change in vision
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty in reading

Inform your doctor if you're taking this medicine, especially before any kind of medical tests or surgery.

An overdose of Ibuprofen can have serious consequences. So if you've taken more than the recommended dose, seek help immediately. Taking too much Ibuprofen may cause certain people to feel sick or have abdominal pain. In the beginning, there may not be any symptoms at all. Taking too much of this drug may also result in reduced fertility over time.

Generally, NSAIDs can interact with other medicines, such as anti-depressants, beta-blockers, and diuretics. However, there are no known issues caused by taking medicine with any food items. The rule of thumb is to not exceed a certain amount of alcohol. However, it's best to avoid having it with the medication completely.

Contraindications and Important Interactions for Sulindac and Ibuprofen

Contraindications

Sulindac

Not recommended for people with heart disease.

Pregnant women should not use NSAIDs at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy unless advised by their healthcare professional.

Ibuprofen

Not recommended for pregnant women.

Not recommended for adults over 60 years of age.

Drug/Medication Interactions

Sulindac

• Benazepril
• Lisinopril
• Losartan
• Valsartan
• Cidofovir
• Dexamethasone

Ibuprofen

• Brigatinib
• Cabazitaxel
• Abacavir
• Erlotinib
• Fluorouracil
• Enasidenib

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Sulindac

It’s best to take this medicine with food.

Drink extra fluids to pass more urine.

Ibuprofen

It should be taken with food to decrease gastrointestinal irritation.

Avoid alcohol to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal irritation.

Cost Comparison

How Much Do Sulindac and Ibuprofen Cost?

The prices of both medications vary based on prescription. The cost of a Sulindac tablet 200 mg is around $13 for 10 tablets.

The average spending per dosage unit in 2021 was $0.13, and the retail price for 30 tablets of 800 mg Ibuprofen costs anywhere from $6-30.

Popularity of Sulindac and Ibuprofen

Both Ibuprofen and Sulindac are popular drugs for treating Osteoarthritis. They're usually taken orally. Sulindac is available only by prescription. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is an over-the-counter drug. It is available in the form of tablets and suspensions. It is also one of the most commonly prescribed drugs. Since they're both NSAIDs, they have similar warnings and side effects.

Conclusion

All in all, there isn't much difference between the two drugs in terms of side effects and administration. They're both useful for treating Osteoarthritis. However, the dosage can vary depending on the patient's symptoms, weight, and age. Nonetheless, using any NSAID for a long can result in serious side effects. Hence, long-term use should be avoided, and the dosage should be adjusted from time to time.