General Information on Indocin
Indocin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used for reducing inflammation caused by conditions such as bursitis, arthritis, tendinitis, gout, or ankylosing spondylitis. The generic name of this drug is Indomethacin.
Like NSAIDs, Indocin works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, a naturally-occurring chemical that causes inflammation, irritation, and pain. Indocin is meant for oral use only.
Side effects of Indocin
The side effects of Indocin are divided in two categories, serious and less serious. Serious side effects of this NSAID include the following:
- Chest pain, slurred speech, balance or vision problems, weakness, shortness of breath
- Swelling or sudden and unexplained weight gain
- Less than normal or no urination
- loss of appetite, low fever, stomach pain, nausea, yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark colored urine, tarry stools
- Muscle weakness, bruising, severe tingling, pain
Less serious side effects of Indocin include the following:
- Ringing in the ears
- Gas, bloating, constipation, mild stomach upset or heartburn, diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Skin itching
- Mild headache, nervousness, dizziness
- Blurred vision
You should not buy Indocin if you have a known allergy to any of its constituents. To ensure that Indomethacin is safe for you, inform your doctor about your medical history, especially about the following:
- Asthma
- Blood clotting or bleeding disorder
- Polyps in the nose
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Intestinal or stomach bleeding
- Epilepsy or any other seizure disorder
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
Indocin comes under pregnancy category C. The safety of this drug in pregnant women has not been established. You should use Indocin during pregnancy only if it is clearly required. The contents of this drug may enter breast milk and cause harm to a nursing child. Consult a doctor before using this drug if you are breastfeeding.
The safety of Indomethacin in children below 14 years of age has not been studied. Do not administer this drug to a child younger than 14 years unless directed by a doctor.
Dosage of Indocin
You may buy Indocin in the following strengths – Indocin 25 mg and Indocin 50 mg. The recommended dosage of Indocin varies from patient to patient. Your doctor will prescribe the correct dosage after studying your medical condition, medical history, and response to treatment. To derive the maximum benefit from the treatment, take Indocin exactly as directed by your doctor.
Interactions
Your risk of easy bruising or bleeding increases if you take certain antidepressants such as duloxetine, escitalopram, duloxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, fluoxetine, or venlafaxine along with Indocin. It is important that you inform your doctor if you are using any antidepressant. He/she may stop or reduce the dosage of the antidepressant that you are taking or alter the dosage of Indocin.
Other drugs that may interact with Indocin include, but are not restricted to:
- Steroids
- Probenecid
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, diflunisal, diclofenac, flurbiprofen, piroxicam, mefenamic acid, ketoprofen, nabumetone, ketorolac, naproxen, and others
- Warfarin
- Digoxin
- Beta-blockers such as timolol, bisoprolol, atenolol, labetalol, propranolol, metoprolol, sotalol, nadolol, and others
- Lithium
- Methotrexate
- Diuretics
To ensure that you do not experience any unwanted drug interactions during Indocin treatment, inform your doctor about all the drugs you are taking, including non-prescription and herbal drugs.
