Purpose: Relieve pain, swelling, and joint stiffness in conditions like arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendonitis.
Class: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Mechanism: Blocks the body’s production of natural substances causing inflammation.
Used for pain relief in various other conditions.
If treating chronic conditions like arthritis, discuss non-drug treatments or alternative medications with the doctor.
Dosage and administration
Read the Medication Guide from the pharmacist before using indomethacin and with each refill.
Take the medication orally, usually 2 to 3 times daily with a full glass of water; avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking.
If stomach upset occurs, take it with food, milk, or an antacid.
Dosage is based on medical condition and response; in children, it’s also based on weight.
Take at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration to reduce the risk of stomach bleeding and side effects.
Do not exceed prescribed dose or use for a longer duration than recommended.
For chronic conditions like arthritis, continue as directed; discuss risks and benefits with the doctor.
Full benefits in certain conditions may take up to 4 weeks with regular use.
If taken “as needed,” use at the first signs of pain for optimal effectiveness.
Inform the doctor if the condition worsens.
Side effects
Possible common side effects of indomethacin: upset stomach, heartburn, headache, drowsiness, dizziness.
Notify the doctor or pharmacist if these effects persist or worsen.
Prescribed considering the benefit outweighing potential risks; serious side effects are uncommon.
Regularly check blood pressure as the medication may raise it; inform the doctor if readings are high.
Immediately report serious side effects: hearing changes, mental/mood changes, difficult/painful swallowing, and symptoms of heart failure.
Seek medical help for very serious side effects: signs of kidney problems, unexplained stiff neck.
Rarely, the drug may cause serious liver disease; get medical help for symptoms like nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, dark urine, severe stomach pain, and yellowing of eyes or skin.
Very serious allergic reactions are rare; seek immediate medical help for symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.
Precautions
Inform the doctor or pharmacist about allergies to indomethacin, aspirin, or other NSAIDs.
Discuss medical history, especially asthma, bleeding/clotting issues, nasal polyps, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, and stomach/intestinal/esophagus problems.
Kidney problems may occur, especially if dehydrated, have heart failure, or kidney disease, are older, or taking specific medications.
The medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid alcohol and marijuana, and use caution in activities requiring alertness.
Stomach bleeding risk may increase with daily alcohol/tobacco use; limit alcohol and quit smoking.
Inform healthcare providers before surgery about all products used, including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal.
Increased sensitivity to the sun may occur; limit sun exposure, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing.
Older adults may have a higher risk of stomach/intestinal bleeding, kidney problems, heart attack, stroke, and mental/mood changes.
Children may be more sensitive, especially to serious liver problems; caution is advised, and risks/benefits should be discussed with the doctor.
Women of childbearing age should discuss benefits and risks with their doctor before using the medication.
Inform the doctor if pregnant or planning to become pregnant; medication may harm an unborn baby and cause issues with labor/delivery.
Not recommended for use in pregnancy from 20 weeks until delivery; use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time if prescribed between 20 and 30 weeks.
Avoid use after 30 weeks of pregnancy.
The drug passes into breast milk; consult the doctor before breastfeeding.
Additional information
Brand Name:
Indocin
Scientific Name:
Indomethacin
Other Names:
Indomethacin
Strength(s):
25mg, 50mg
Quantities Available:
100, 200
Formulation:
Capsule
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Indomethacin
