List of products in the National Drug Code with proprietary name . Sulindac is used to reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from arthritis. It is also used to treat arthritis of the spine, gouty arthritis, and shoulder bursitis/tendonitis. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). If you are treating a chronic condition such as arthritis, ask your doctor about non-drug treatments and/or using other medications to treat your pain. See also Warning section.