Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by blocking the production of substances responsible for the occurrence of pain, fever and inflammation.
What is Indomethacin?
Indomethacin is used to relieve the moderate or intense pain and sensitivity, the swelling and stiffness associated to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
It can also be used to treat pain in the shoulder caused by bursitis and in case of tendinitis and acute gouty arthritis.
Sometimes it is also used to treat fever, pain and inflammation associated with various disorders or trauma, to reduce the levels of calcium in the blood or to treat a particular type of hypotension.
How should Indomethacin be taken?
Indomethacin can be assumed through oral route in form of capsules or extended-release tablets or liquid suspension. Typically, the dosage is 2-4 doses per day, but in the case of extended release formulations, it can drop to 1-2 intakes a day. Intake should be consumed with food or immediately after a meal. If necessary, it is recommended to take the drug with an antacid.
For rectal route instead, Indomethacin may be taken in the form of suppositories, and in this case the dosage is 2-4 doses per day.
Side effects associated with Indomethacin
Possible adverse effects of Indomethacin are:
- headache
- dizziness
- vomit
- diarrhea
- constipation
- irritation of the rectum
- constant feeling of having to rid the gut
- tinnitus
You should immediately contact a doctor if you experience:
- unjustified weight loss
- temperature
- blisters
- rash
- itch
- urticaria
- swelling of eyes, face, tongue, lips, throat, hands, feet, ankles or calves
- difficulty breathing
- difficulty swallowing
- hoarseness
- pallor
- rapid heartbeat
- excessive tiredness
- bruising or bleeding
- lack of energy
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right abdomen
- symptoms similar to flu
- jaundice
- turbid urine, colorless
- urine with blood
- back ache
- difficult or painful urination
- vision problems (such as fogging)
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Indomethacin
The intake of NSAIDs such as Indomethacin may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, these drugs can cause ulcers, bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestines.
The drug can interfere with the ability to drive and operate hazardous machinery. Its side effects may worsen with the intake of alcohol.
Before you start to take Indomethacin, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you allergic to the active substance, to aspirin or other NSAIDs, their excipients or any other medication
- If you are taking any other medicinal products, herbal supplements or sedatives. Mentioning in particular: ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, beta-blockers, cyclosporine, digoxin, diuretics, lithium, methotrexate, and phenytoin probenecid
- If you suffer (or have suffered) from asthma (especially in case of frequent stuffy nose or nasal polyps), seizures, Parkinson's, depression or other psychological disorders, kidney or liver disease, proctitis, or bleeding from the rectum
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is important to inform surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Indomethacin.
