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What is indomethacin? How is indomethacin used?Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces fever, pain and inflammation. It is similar to ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve). Indomethacin works by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that the body produces and which cause the fever and pain that are associated with inflammation. Indomethacin blocks the enzymes that make prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase 1 and 2) and thereby reduces the levels of prostaglandins. As a result, fever, pain and inflammation are reduced. Indomethacin is available in an extended release form. The FDA first approved indomethacin in January 1965. What brand names are available for indomethacin?Indocin, Indocin-SR (Discontinued Brand in U.S.) Is indomethacin available as a generic drug?GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for indomethacin?Yes What are the side effects of indomethacin?Common side effects of indomethacin are:
Other important side effects are:
Some individuals are allergic to NSAIDs and may develop shortness of breath when an NSAID is taken. People with asthma are at a higher risk for experiencing serious allergic reaction to NSAIDs. Individuals with a serious allergy to one NSAID are likely to experience a similar reaction to a different NSAID. Indomethacin may cause ulceration of the stomach or intestine, and the ulcers may bleed. Sometimes, ulceration may lead to perforation of the intestine and bleeding can occur without abdominal pain, and black tarry stools, weakness, and dizziness upon standing (orthostatic hypotension) may be the only signs of a ulceration. NSAIDs can reduce the ability of blood to clot thereby increasing bleeding after an injury. NSAIDs reduce the flow of blood to the kidneys and impair function of the kidneys. The impairment is most likely to occur in patients with preexisting impairment of kidney function or congestive heart failure, and use of NSAIDs in these patients should be done cautiously. Individuals who have nasal polyps or are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs should not use indomethacin because there is an increased risk of severe allergic reactions in these individuals. QUESTIONThe term arthritis refers to stiffness in the joints. See AnswerWhat is the dosage for indomethacin?
Which drugs or supplements interact with indomethacin?Cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid) may decrease the absorption of indomethacin by binding to indomethacin in the intestine and preventing absorption into the body. Indomethacin and other NSAIDs may decrease the elimination of lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) by the kidneys and, therefore, increase the blood level of lithium, which could lead to lithium toxicity. Indomethacin may interfere with the blood pressure-lowering effects of drugs that are given to reduce blood pressure. This may occur because prostaglandins play a role in the regulation of blood pressure. When indomethacin is used in combination with methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) or aminoglycosides (for example, gentamicin) the blood levels of the methotrexate or aminoglycoside may increase, presumably because their elimination from the body is reduced. This may lead to more methotrexate or aminoglycoside-related side effects. Indomethacin should be avoided by patients with a history of asthma attacks, hives or other allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs. If aspirin is taken with indomethacin there may be an increased risk for developing an ulcer. Persons who have more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day may be at increased risk of developing stomach ulcers when taking indomethacin or other NSAIDs. Indomethacin increases the negative effect of cyclosporine on kidney function and reduces the effect of furosemide (Lasix) and thiazide diuretics because of prostaglandin inhibition. Individuals taking oral blood thinners or anticoagulants, for example, warfarin (Coumadin), should avoid indomethacin because indomethacin also thins the blood, and excessive blood thinning may lead to bleeding. Health NewsIs indomethacin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?Use during pregnancy has not been adequately studied. Indomethacin may have adverse effects on the fetus. Indomethacin is excreted in breast milk and therefore should be avoided by nursing mothers.
What else should I know about indomethacin?What preparations of indomethacin are available?
How should I keep indomethacin stored?Capsules should be kept at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F). Oral suspension and suppositories should be kept below 30 C (86 F). The oral suspension should not be frozen. SLIDESHOWWhat Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis See SlideshowSummaryIndomethacin; Indocin, Indocin-SR (Discontinued Brand in U.S.) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug prescribed for the treatment of inflammation caused by gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries such as bursitis and tendinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylolsing spondylitis. Side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy safety, and dosage information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication. Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & QuizzesRelated Disease Conditions
Treatment & DiagnosisMedications & SupplementsPrevention & WellnessSubscribe to MedicineNet's Arthritis NewsletterBy clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time. Report Problems to the Food and Drug AdministrationYou are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. References FDA Prescribing Information Is indomethacin a strong drug?Indomethacin is one of the most potent NSAIDs and is generally only used after other NSAIDs have proved ineffective. NSAIDs (including indomethacin) have been associated with an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.
What class drug is indomethacin?Indomethacin is in a class of medications called NSAIDs. It works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation.
How does indomethacin make you feel?Upset stomach, heartburn, headache, drowsiness, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
How strong is indomethacin?Indocin is available in capsules in strengths of 25 and 50 mg, in suspension strength of 25 mg per 5 ml and as a suppository in strength of 50 mg per suppository. Initial doses usually start at 25 mg three times daily.
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