Indocin Medication - Uses & Side Effects

INDOMETHACIN (Indocin®) is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID). Indomethacin relieves the inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. Generic indomethacin capsules and sustained-release capsules are available. Indocin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain associated with moderate or severe rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine). It is also used to treat bursitis, tendinitis (acute painful shoulder), acute gouty arthritis, and other kinds of pain.

Indocin Dosage

• The usual dose is 25 milligrams 2 or 3 times a day, increasing to a total daily dose of 150 to 200 milligrams. Your doctor should monitor you carefully for side effects when you are taking this drug.

Uses of Indocin

• Indomethacin is used to reduce the pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by many conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, and bursitis.
• Indomethacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Indocin

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Indocin. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain
• constipation
• depression
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fatigue
• headache
• heartburn
• indigestion
• nausea
• ringing in the ears
• sleepiness or excessive drowsiness
• stomach pain
• stomach upset
• vertigo
• vomiting

Warnings and precautions before taking Indocin:

• Peptic ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning, especially in people over 65.
• This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease, and it can cause liver inflammation in some people.
• Do not take aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications while taking Indocin, unless your doctor tells you to do so.
• If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, Indocin can increase water retention.
• Indocin may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended. Indocin may also cause confusion and, rarely, psychosis, especially in older adults.

Drug Interaction :- If Indocin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Indocin with the following:

• Aspirin
  
• Beta-blockers such as the blood pressure medications Tenormin and Inderal
  
• Blood-thinning medicines such as Coumadin
  
• Captopril (Capoten)
  
• Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
  
• Diflunisal (Dolobid)
  
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
  
• Lithium (Eskalith)
  
• Loop diuretics (Lasix)
  
• Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, and ibuprofen
  
• Potassium-sparing water pills such as Aldactone
  
• Probenecid (Benemid, ColBENEMID)

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose seek medical attention immediately. The symptoms of Indocin overdose may include:

• Convulsions
• disorientation
• dizziness
• intense headache
• lethargy
• mental confusion
• nausea
• numbness
• tingling or pins and needles
• vomiting