Sulindac. Trials of a new anti-inflammatory drug

Trials in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis showed sulindac to be an analgesic with anti-inflammatory properties and at least as effective as aspirin. It was effective within 24 hours in doses of 300-400 mg daily. It had the advantages of twice daily administration and a lower incidence of gastric side effects than aspirin. Constipation, usually mild, occurred in 20-30% of cases. Like other anti-inflammatory drugs, it was effective in only a proportion of the patients.