Indocin
Name of the Drug
Indocin (Indomethacin)
Uses of the Drug
Indocin helps to treat moderate-severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as ankylosing spondylitis. It also treats gout or some tendonitis and bursitis.
How toTake
Indocin should be taken as per the doctor’s recommendations.
- Indocin can be taken orally with food
- Take Indocin along with water (8 oz) as advised by the doctor.
Consult your doctor in case you have any query about the usage of Indocin.
Drug Mechanism and Class
Indocin is considered to be an NSAID. Its function is not quite known. However, it might obstruct some substances within your body that causes inflammation. NSAIDs treat symptoms of inflammation and pain. They cannot treat those diseases which lead to the symptoms.
Missed Dose
If you ever miss a dosage of Indocin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Indocin should be stored at the room temperature somewhere between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Keep it away from light, heat and moisture. Don’t store it in bathroom. The medicine should be kept away from pets and children.
Warnings Precautions
Indocin should NOT be taken if:
- you are prone to allergies to a single ingredient present in Indocin
- you had serious allergic reaction (e.g., severe hives, rash, dizziness, trouble breathing, growths in nose,) to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (e.g., celecoxib, ibuprofen) or aspirin
- you have had recently or would have bypass heart surgery;
- your pregnancy is in the very last 3 months;
- you take diflunisal, one more NSAID (e.g., ibuprofen), or triamterene;
You should get in touch with the doctor very soon if you notice any of the above-mentioned problems.
Important:
- Indocin might cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects might worsen in case you are taking it along with certain medicines or alcohol. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Carefully use Indocin. Don’t perform some dangerous tasks or even drive until and unless you know the reaction of the medicine.
- Serious bleeding or stomach ulcers can happen while using Indocin. Taking it for longer time and in high dosages can cause side effects. Therefore, even if you take Indocin along with food, the side effects would not reduce.
- The dosage should be taken as per the doctor’s recommendations.
- Indocin is considered to be an NSAID. Before starting the new medicine, check its label whether it contains any NSAID (like ibuprofen) inside it.
- Do not use aspirin when you take Indocin unless the doctor asks you.
- Indocin might interfere with some lab tests. Make sure that the doctor as well as lab personnel are acquainted with the fact that you are taking Indocin.
- Lab tests, together with kidney function, blood pressure, and, complete blood cell counts, might be done while using Indocin. These tests help in monitoring your condition as well as noticing whether there are any side effects.
- The elderly people should use Indocin very carefully as they can be very sensitive towards its effects particularly kidney problems and stomach bleeding.
- Children below 14 years should use this drug with extra caution. Effectiveness and safety in the children are not yet confirmed.
- Breast-feeding and Pregnancy: Indocin can cause harmful effects to your fetus. If you conceive, consult with your medical professional about the risks and benefits of taking this drug during pregnancy. Imodium is secreted through the breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding should be strictly avoided when you are taking Imodium.
Common Side Effects
Check whether you have any of the side effects as mentioned below and in that case consult your doctor as soon as possible:
* diarrhea; dizziness; constipation; heartburn; gas; headache; stomach upset, nausea;.
Check whether you have any of the serious side effects as mentioned below and in that case consult your doctor as soon as possible:
* Serious allergic reactions (hives; rash; itching; tightness in chest; difficulty in breathing; swelling of face, lips, mouth, or tongue); black or bloody, tarry stools; confusion; change in quantity of the urine; chest pain; depression; dark urine; irregular or fast heartbeat; fainting; persistent sore throat, fever, chills, mood or mental changes; one-sided weakness; numbness of leg or arm; ringing in ears; swollen, red, peeling, or blistered skin; dizziness or severe headache; seizures; severe vomiting; persistent or severe nausea or stomach pain; sudden or unexplained gain in weight; shortness of breath; swelling of legs, hands, or feet; unusual muscle or joint pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weakness or tiredness; vomit appearing such as coffee grounds; yellowing of eyes or skin; speech or vision changes.
More Information
You should consult your pharmacist in case of any query. This medicine should be exclusively used by only the patient. Do not share Indocin with some other people. In case the symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.