indomethacin

n.
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic drug, C₁₉H₁₆ClNO₄, used especially in the treatment of some forms of arthritis.

[INDO(LE) + METH(YL) + AC(ETIC ACID) + -IN.]

Brand names: Indocin®Indocin® SR

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Indomethacin suppositories (below)
• Indomethacin injection
• Indomethacin Oral capsule
• Indomethacin Oral capsule, extended-release
• Indomethacin Sodium Solution for injection
• Indomethacin Oral suspension

Español:
• Supositorios de indometacina
• Inyección de indometacina
• Indometacina, Cápsula oral
• Indometacina, Cápsula oral de liberación prolongada
• Indometacina Sódica, Solución para inyección
• Indometacina, Suspensión oral

Indomethacin suppositories

What are indomethacin suppositories?

INDOMETHACIN (Indocin®) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Indomethacin relieves the inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatism), osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. Generic indomethacin suppositories are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma
• bleeding problems or taking medicines that make you bleed more easily such as anticoagulants ('blood thinners')
• cigarette smoker
• coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks
• dental disease
• depression
• diabetes
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing beverages a day
• heart or circulation problems like angina, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, history of heart attack, history of blood clots, or leg edema (fluid retention)
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach or duodenal ulcers
• history of stroke
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• ulcerative colitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to indomethacin, aspirin, other salicylates, other NSAIDs, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Indomethacin suppositories are put into the rectum (back passage). Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash your hands. Take off the foil wrapping. Wet the tip of the suppository with water to make it easier to use. Lie on your side and raise your knee to your chest. Using your finger, gently push the suppository into the rectum. Hold it in place for a few minutes. Wash your hands. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with indomethacin?

• alcohol
• alendronate
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• cidofovir
• cyclosporine
• drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin®)
• entecavir
• herbal products that contain feverfew, garlic, ginger, or ginkgo biloba
• lithium
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines that affect platelets
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots such as warfarin and other 'blood thinners'
• methotrexate
• other antiinflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or prednisone)
• pemetrexed
• water pills (diuretics)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking indomethacin?

Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues, do not take with other pain-killers without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself.

If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.

If you are taking medicines that affect the clotting of your blood, such as aspirin or blood thinners such as Coumadin®, talk to your health care provider or prescriber before taking this medicine.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how indomethacin affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from indomethacin.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking indomethacin. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

It is especially important not to use indomethacin during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Indomethacin may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.

What side effects may I notice from using indomethacin?

Elderly patients are at increased risk for developing side effects.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• signs of bleeding from the stomach - black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips
• blurred vision
• change in the amount of urine passed
• difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• stomach pain or cramps
• swelling of feet or ankles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness, drowsiness
• gas or heartburn
• headache
• nausea, vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 7/1/2002

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

A very effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat soft-tissue sports injuries. However, side-effects of indomethacin include headaches, dizziness, and gastric inflammation.

An anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic agent, used in arthritic disorders and degenerative joint disease in humans, but is capable of causing serious gastrointestinal side-effects, particularly hemorrhage, in dogs and cats.