Indocin

Indomethacin

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Indocin

Indocin belongs to NSAIDs (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) group of drugs. Exactly how it works is not known, but it is suggested that they act by inhibiting theenzyme that is responsible for causing inflammation. It may block certain substances in the body that are linked to inflammation. NSAIDs treat the symptoms of pain and inflammation without treating the disease that causes those symptoms.

Therapeutic Uses of Indocin

Indocin is used for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is used in treatment of gout (gouty arthritis) or certain types of bursitis and tendonitis (inflammation of tendons). It may also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.

Direction of use of Indocin

Indocin should be used as directed by your doctor.

Take Indocin by mouth on full stomach. Taking it on full stomach may lower the risk of stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, ulcers). Talk with your doctor if you have persistent stomach upset.
Indocin is to be taken with a full glass of water (8 oz or 240 ml) as per direction of your doctor.
Ask your doctor or other health care provider if you have any question about how to use Indocin.

If You Miss a Dose of Indocin

If you miss a dose of Indocin and you are taking it regularly, you should take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose of Indocin and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time for missing a dose of it.

How to Store Indocin

Indocin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light in a light resistant container closing it tightly. Do not store it in bathroomKeep Indocin out of reach of children and away from pets.

More Information About Indocin

Indocin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, you should consult your doctor.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Indocin

Do not use Indocin if you have any of the following medical problems and consult your doctor immediately:

If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Indocin.
If you have had a severe allergic reaction (the manifestations of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, trouble breathing, growths in the nose, dizziness etc.) to aspirin or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen, celecoxib.
If you have recently had undergone bypass heart surgery or will be having bypass heart surgery.
If you are taking another NSAID (like ibuprofen), or triamterene.

Important notes on Indocin

Indocin may cause dizziness or drowsiness and these effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Indocin should be used with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks (that require constant monitoring and attention) until you know how you react to it.
Serious stomach ulcers or bleeding can occur with the use of Indocin or other NSAIDs. Especially if you take it in high doses or for a long time, smoking, or drinking alcohol the side effects like ulcers or bleeding are more common. Taking Indocin with food may reduce the risk of these effects. Contact your doctor or emergency room at once if you develop severe stomach or back pain; black, tarry stools; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds; or unusual weight gain or swelling etc. while taking Indocin.
Do not take Indocin more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
Indocin is an NSAID. Before you start any new medicine, you should check the label to see if it has an NSAID in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist or other health care provider.
Do not take aspirin (it is also a NSAIDs) while you are using Indocin unless your doctor tells you to.
Indocin may interfere with certain lab tests. You should make sure your doctor and lab personnel know that you take Indocin.
Lab tests, like kidney function test, complete blood cell counts, and regular blood pressure checking, may be performed while you use Indocin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Indocin with caution in the elderly as they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
Indocin should be used (if ever used) with extreme caution in children younger than 14 years old. The safety and effectiveness of Indocin in these children (below 14 years) have not been confirmed.
Pregnancy and breast feeding: Do not take Indocin if you are pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus. Do not use it during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Indocin while you are pregnant. Indocin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Indocin.

Possible Adverse Effects of Indocin

Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, gas (bloating), headache, heartburn, stomach upset etc. are the common and mild side effects of Indocin. If any of these common and mild side effects of Indocin become troublesome or persistent, you should consult your doctor.
Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the severe but uncommon side effects of Indocin. The severe side effects of Indocin are severe allergic reaction (the manifestations of severe allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue etc.); blood in stool, black stools, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; symptoms of infection (fever, chills, or persistent sore throat); mental or mood changes, numbness of an arm or leg; one sided weakness; red of skin, swelling of skin, blistering of skin, peeling of skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Drugs & Medications