$Unique_ID{BRK03358} $Pretitle{} $Title{tolmetin} $Subject{Tolectin McNeil DS Tolectin-600 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic tolmetin inflammation pain swelling stiffness arthritis gout bursitis tendinitis block production chemicals pain} $Volume{} $Log{ Tolectin DS*0335801.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. tolmetin ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Tolectin (McNeil) Tolectin DS (McNeil) Tolectin-600 (McNeil) TYPE OF DRUG Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic INGREDIENT tolmetin DOSAGE FORMS Tablets (200 mg and 600 mg) Capsules (400 mg) STORAGE This medication should be stored in tightly closed containers at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight. USES Tolmetin is used to treat the inflammation (pain, swelling, and stiffness) of certain types of arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendinitis. Tolmetin has been shown to block the production of certain body chemicals that may trigger pain. However, it is not yet fully understood how tolmetin works. TREATMENT You should take this medication on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before meals or two hours after meals, so that it gets into your bloodstream quickly. However, to decrease stomach irritation, your doctor may want you to take the medicine with food or antacids. If you are taking tolmetin to relieve arthritis, you must take it regularly, as directed by your doctor. It may take up to two weeks before you feel the full benefits of this medication. Tolmetin does not cure arthritis, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to undergo treatment with the medication. It is important to take tolmetin on schedule and not to miss any doses. If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, difficulty in sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heartburn, indigestion, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, soreness of the mouth, unusual sweating, or vomiting. As your body adjusts to the drug, these side effects should disappear. To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). If you become dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about bloody or black, tarry stools; blurred vision; confusion; depression; difficult or painful urination; difficulty in hearing; palpitations; ringing or buzzing in the ears; skin rash, hives, or itching; stomach pain; swelling of the feet; tightness in the chest; unexplained sore throat and fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual fatigue or weakness; unusual weight gain; wheezing or difficulty in breathing; or yellowing of the eyes or skin. INTERACTIONS Tolmetin interacts with several types of medications: 1. Anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) in combination with tolmetin can lead to an increase in bleeding complications. 2. Aspirin, salicylates, or other anti-inflammatory medications can increase the stomach irritation caused by tolmetin. 3. Probenecid may increase blood levels of tolmetin, which may increase the risk of side effects. 4. The action of beta blockers may be decreased by this drug. 5. This drug can interact with diuretics (water pills). BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any listed above. WARNINGS * Before you take this medication, it is important to tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic reactions to tolmetin or any of the other chemically related drugs (including aspirin, other salicylates, diclofenac, diflunisal, etodolac, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, meclofenamate, mefenamic acid, nabumetone, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, and indomethacin). * Tell your doctor if you have ever had asthma, bleeding problems, colitis, stomach ulcers or other stomach problems, epilepsy, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, or Parkinson's disease. * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery. * Because this drug can prolong your bleeding time, it is important to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this drug before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment. * Stomach problems are more likely to occur if you take aspirin regularly or drink alcohol while being treated with this medication. These should, therefore, be avoided (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The safe use of this medicine in human pregnancy has not been established. Side effects have been observed in the offspring of animals that received this type of medication during pregnancy. If taken late in pregnancy, tolmetin can prolong labor. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of tolmetin can pass into breast milk. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.