Uses of Indomethacin

Indomethacin is used to reduce swelling and to treat moderate to severe inflammatory diseases of the joints (such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and degenerative hip disease), pain, acute painful shoulder (such as bursitis, tendinitis) & stiffness in the backbone (ankylosing spondylitis). It’s also used to treats sprains & strains, post-operative pain, lower back pain, pain due to periods, gout (joint pain), and acute painful shoulder (such as bursitis, tendinitis).

Therapeutic Category

Indomethacin: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

How Indomethacin works

Indomethacin works by preventing the function of enzyme cyclooxygenase-1 and 2 which leads to the stopping of prostaglandins synthesis (chemical substances responsible for pain & inflammation) that results in reduced inflammatory reactions and relief from pain.

Common side effects of Indomethacin

• mild headache
• pruritus or itching at the site of application
• burning sensation, pain, and rash

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• signs of bleeding in the stomach such as blood in feces, blood vomit or dark particles that look like coffee ground
• signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing/swallowing, asthma, sudden decrease in blood pressure, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• indigestion/heartburn
• abdominal pain or other abnormal symptoms such as vomit, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, inflammation of the stomach lining, small intestine or mouth, perforation of previous intestinal damage, blockage in intestine
• signs of abnormal liver function/liver disease such as jaundice, inflammation of the liver causing weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, fever
• serious skin reactions such as itching, pale or red irregular raised patches with severe itching (hives), blood spots, bruising and discoloration of the skin, blisters/red skin, peeling and swelling of the skin that resembles severe burns, erythema multiforme (circular, irregular red patches on the skin of the hands and arms), Stevens Johnson syndrome (severe form of skin rash with flushing, fever, blisters or ulcers)
• aseptic meningitis (stiff neck, headache, feeling or being sick, fever, disorientation)
• In case of accidental overdosage or ingestion

Health Tips for Indomethacin

• Take indomethacin exactly as prescribed by your Doctor. Do not alter the dosage or stop taking it without consulting your doctor
• Indomethacin can sometimes irritate the stomach, so taking it with food or milk may help reduce the risk of stomach upset
• Drinking alcohol while taking indomethacin can increase the risk of stomach bleeding and other gastrointestinal issues. It's best to avoid alcohol during the course of treatment
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breast feeding