Indomethacin (Indocin): Uses, Safety, and Key Facts
Quick summary: Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for several inflammatory and pain-related conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout, bursitis, tendinitis, synovitis, and primary dysmenorrhoea. In the United States,...
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Quick summary: Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for several inflammatory and pain-related conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout, bursitis, tendinitis, synovitis, and primary dysmenorrhoea.
In the United States, the brand name mentioned in the source content is Indocin. Always check the official patient leaflet or ask a pharmacist for the exact product instructions.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist, or the official medicine leaflet. It does not provide personal diagnosis or treatment instructions.
What is indomethacin?
Indomethacin is a medicine used to reduce inflammation and pain. The source content identifies the ingredient as indomethacin sodium and notes that the U.S. brand name is Indocin.
It belongs to the NSAID family and is used in conditions where inflammation is an important part of the symptoms.
How indomethacin works
Indomethacin works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in peripheral tissues. Prostaglandins are substances involved in inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Therapeutic uses
The source content lists the following uses:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Acute gout
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Synovitis
- Other acute musculoskeletal inflammatory disorders
- Inflammatory processes following surgical interventions
- Relief of pain and symptoms of primary dysmenorrhoea
Dosage information from the source
The following dosing details were included in the original content. Exact use should always be confirmed with the official leaflet or a healthcare professional.
| Form / situation | Dose listed in source |
|---|---|
| Rectal dose | 50–100 mg/day |
| Oral dose, non-retard forms | 50–200 mg/day in 2–4 doses |
| Chronic processes | Start with 25 mg every 8–12 hours, increasing progressively; maximum 200 mg/day |
| Acute gout | 50 mg every 8 hours |
| Acute processes | 25 mg every 6–8 hours |
| Primary dysmenorrhoea | 25 mg every 8 hours |
| Delayed-release forms | 75 mg/day, maximum 75 mg every 12 hours |
How it is taken
The source content states that indomethacin is used orally and should be taken with food, milk, or an antacid.
Contraindications listed in the source
- Hypersensitivity to indomethacin or other NSAIDs
- Active duodenal ulcer or a history of recurrent gastric lesions
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Children under 14 years
- Recent history of proctitis for rectal use
Warnings and precautions
The original content highlights extra caution in the following situations:
- Older adults
- Psychiatric disorders
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Bleeding disorders or treatment with anticoagulants
- Kidney impairment
- Liver impairment
- Heart failure
- Infectious processes, because symptoms may be masked
For chronic treatment, the source recommends periodic monitoring of the blood count and liver function. In rheumatoid arthritis, regular eye examinations are also mentioned.
Liver and kidney impairment
The source advises caution in liver failure and kidney failure, with liver function monitoring during chronic treatment.
Interactions listed in the source
The original content mentions these interactions:
- Levels may be decreased by AAS
- Levels may be increased by probenecid and diflunisal
- It may reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect of beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics, furosemide, and captopril
- It may increase lithium levels, which require frequent monitoring
If you take any prescription medicine, over-the-counter product, or supplement, the official leaflet and a pharmacist can help check for interactions.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The source content says indomethacin is not recommended during pregnancy. It also notes adverse fetal effects reported with use during weeks 27 to 34 of gestation, including effects on the cardiovascular system, platelets, renal function, and gastrointestinal system.
For breastfeeding, the source says to avoid use because it is eliminated in milk.
Possible adverse reactions
The original content lists the following side effects and adverse reactions:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Depression
- Vertigo
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Epigastric discomfort
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Ulcerations in the esophagus, duodenum, and small intestine
- Gastrointestinal bleeding without evidence of ulcer
- Increased abdominal pain in patients with pre-existing ulcerative colitis
What to verify with a doctor or pharmacist
Because product instructions can vary by formulation and country, it is important to confirm:
- The exact strength and formulation prescribed
- Whether the medicine is appropriate for your medical history
- How to take it with food or antacid products
- Whether any other medicines may interact with it
- What monitoring is needed during longer-term use
FAQ
▸ What is indomethacin used for?
According to the source content, indomethacin is used for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout, bursitis, tendinitis, synovitis, and primary dysmenorrhoea.
▸ Is Indocin the same as indomethacin?
The source content identifies Indocin as the U.S. brand name for indomethacin.
▸ How should indomethacin be taken?
The source says it is taken orally and should be administered with food, milk, or an antacid.
▸ Who should avoid indomethacin?
The source lists hypersensitivity to NSAIDs, active duodenal ulcer, recurrent gastric lesions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, children under 14 years, and recent proctitis for rectal use as contraindications.
▸ What side effects are mentioned in the source?
The source mentions headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, fatigue, and gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding among the possible adverse reactions.
▸ Does indomethacin need monitoring during long-term use?
The source recommends periodic blood count and liver function checks during chronic treatment, and eye examinations in rheumatoid arthritis.
Safety reminder
Do not use this article to self-diagnose or to change treatment on your own. If you have stomach symptoms, kidney or liver problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medicines such as lithium, anticoagulants, diuretics, or blood-pressure medicines, confirm the safest option with a qualified healthcare professional and the official medicine leaflet.
Sources and references
- FDA Medication Guide database
- UNII: XXE1CET956
- ChemIDplus
- DrugPortal
- PubChem CID: 3715
- NCI Thesaurus: C576
Medical disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always ask a doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Sources and verification
The following sources or official references are listed to support verification of the medicine information discussed in this article.
Medicine information can change and may vary depending on country, product formulation, patient history and professional guidance. Always check official medicine information and ask a healthcare professional for personal medical questions.