Sulindac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the arylalkanoic acid class that is marketed as Clinoril. Imbaral (not to be confused with mebaral) is another name for this drug. Its name is derived from sul(finyl)+ ind(ene)+ ac(etic acid)
It was patented in 1969 and approved for medical use in 1976.[1]
Medical uses
Like other NSAIDs, it is useful in the treatment of acute or chronicinflammatory conditions. Sulindac is a prodrug, derived from sulfinylindene, that is converted in the body to the active NSAID. More specifically, the agent is converted by liver enzymes to a sulfide that is excreted in the bile and then reabsorbed from the intestine. This is thought to help maintain constant blood levels with reduced gastrointestinal side effects. Some studies have shown sulindac to be relatively less irritating to the stomach than other NSAIDs except for drugs of the COX-2 inhibitor class.[2] The exact mechanism of its NSAID properties is unknown, but it is thought to act on enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
Its usual dosage is 150-200 milligrams twice per day, with food. It should not be used by persons with a history of major allergic reactions (urticaria or anaphylaxis) to aspirin or other NSAIDs, and should be used with caution by persons having pre-existing peptic ulcer disease. Sulindac is much more likely than other NSAIDs to cause damage to the liver or pancreas, though it is less likely to cause kidney damage than other NSAIDs.
Sulindac seems to have a property, independent of COX-inhibition, of reducing the growth of polyps and precancerous lesions in the colon, especially in association with familial adenomatous polyposis, and may have other anti-cancer properties.[3][4]
Adverse effects
In October 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required the drug label to be updated for all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to describe the risk of kidney problems in unborn babies that result in low amniotic fluid.[5][6] They recommend avoiding NSAIDs in pregnant women at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy.[5][6]
Society and culture
Litigation
In September 2010 a federal jury in New Hampshire awarded $21 million to Karen Bartlett, a woman who developed Stevens–Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis as a result of taking a generic brand of sulindac manufactured by Mutual Pharmaceuticals for her shoulder pain. Ms. Bartlett sustained severe injuries including the loss of over 60% of her surface skin and permanent near-blindness. The case had been appealed to the United States Supreme Court, where the main issue was whether federal law preempts Ms. Bartlett's claim.[7] On June 24, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled 5–4 in favor of Mutual Pharmaceuticals, throwing out the earlier $21 million jury verdict.[8][9]
Synthesis
Rxn of p-fluorobenzyl chloride (1) with the anion of diethylmethyl malonate (2) gives intermediate diester (3), saponification of which and subsequent decarboxylation leads to 4. {Alternatively it can be formed by Perkin reaction between p-fluorobenzaldehyde and propionic anhydride in the presence of NaOAc, followed by catalytic hydrogenation of the olefinic bond using a palladium on carbon catalyst.}
^"Sulindac". LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. 2012. PMID31643638.
^Bartlett v. Mut. Pharm. Co., Inc., 678 F.3d 30 (D.C. Cir. March 19, 2013).
^Shuman RF, Pines SH, Shearin WE, Czaja RF, Abramson NL, Tull R (1977). "A sterically efficient synthesis of (Z)-5-fluoro-2-methyl-1-(p-methylthiobenzylidene)-3-indenylacetic acid and its S-oxide, sulindac". The Journal of Organic Chemistry. 42 (11): 1914–1919. doi:10.1021/jo00431a019.
^DE 2039426, Greenwald RB, Witzel EB, "Indenyl acetic acid and process for its preparation", issued 20 February 1975, assigned to Merck and Co Inc.
^US 3647858, Conn JB, Hinkley DF, "Process for preparing 1-benzylidene-3-indenyl acetic acids", issued 7 March 1972, assigned to Merck and Co Inc.
^US 3654349, Greenwald RB, Jones H, "Substituted indenyl acetic acids", issued 4 April 1972, assigned to Merck and Co Inc.