Indomethacin
Brand names Artracin, Flexin Continus, Imbrilon, Indocid, Indolar, Maximet, Mobilan.
Used in the following combined preparations None
GENERAL INFORMATION
Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Like other NSAIDs, it reduces pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Indomethacin is used to treat many arthritic conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute attacks of gout, osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. The drug is sometimes used to treat a heart disorder known as Rheumacin LA, Slo-lndo, and others patent ductus arteriosus, which may occur in premature infants.
Indomethacin has several potentially serious side effects, including gastrointestinal disorders, severe headache, and dizziness, and it may mask the symptoms of infections.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and drug for gout
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, SR-tablets, capsules, SR-capsules, liquid, injection, suppositories.
Frequency and timing of doses
2-4 x daily with food (tablets, capsules); 1-2 x daily with food (SR-tablets, SR-capsules).
1-2 x daily (suppositories)
Adult dosage range
50-200mg daily.
Onset of effect
Some analgesic effect may be felt within
2-4 hours. Full anti-inflammatory effect may not be felt for up to 4 weeks.
Duration of action
5-10 hours. Some effect may last for up to 24 hours (SR-tablets, SR-capsules).
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 3 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor; symptoms may recur.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdoses may cause dizziness, confusion, and nausea. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Gastrointestinal disturbances, headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness are common.
Black or bloodstained faeces should be reported to your doctor promptly.
INTERACTIONS
General note
Indomethacin interacts with many other drugs, including other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, oral anticoagulant drugs, and corticosteroid drugs, to increase the risk of bleeding and/ or peptic ulcers.
Lithium
Indomethacin may raise blood levels of lithium.
Antihypertensive drugs and diuretics
The beneficial effects of these drugs may be reduced by indomethacin.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have had a peptic ulcer, oesophagitis, or acid indigestion.
You have heart problems.
You have high blood pressure.
You have had epileptic fits. You suffer from asthma.
You have bleeding problems.
You are allergic to aspirin.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Not usually prescribed. May affect the unborn baby and, if used in late pregnancy, may prolong labour. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not usually prescribed under 14 years, except for patent ductus arteriosus. Given for juvenile arthritis only when the possible benefits outweigh the risks.
Over 60
Reduced dose necessary. Increased likelihood of adverse effects.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how indomethacin affects you because the drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
Alcohol
Alcohol may increase the risk of stomach irritation.
Surgery and general anaesthetics
Discuss the possibility of discontinuing the drug with your doctor or dentist before you are given a general anaesthetic.
PROLONGED USE
There is an increased risk of bleeding from peptic ulcers and in the bowel with prolonged use of indomethacin.
