Indometacin / Indomethacin

Uses	Pain Relief
Therapy	Drugs For Rheumatoid Arthritis, Anti-Inflammatory
Side Effects	Nausea, Vomting, Headache, Dizziness

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Molecule Description

Indomethacin is a commonly used painkiller which can also treat fever or any immune reactions (inflammation).

Uses

It is used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain.

Contraindications

When should one not use Indometacin / Indomethacin

If you have an allergy to Indomethacin
If you are taking sleeping pills, painkillers or medicines which affects mood
If you have severe liver disease or fits (epilepsy) disorder

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Nausea
Dizziness, drowsiness
Vomiting, constipation, flatulence, diarrhea, stomach pain
Dry mouth
Itching, sweating
Headache, shaking
Sleep disorders, mood changes, anxiety, nervousness

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Indomethacin is known to cause miscarriages or harmful effects in the baby if used in the last three months of pregnancy. During the first six months of pregnancy, Indomethacin only needs to be used if there are no other alternatives.

Breast Feeding

Indomethacin is known to pass into breast milk and is best avoided during breastfeeding. Your doctor will decide if it is necessary and cannot be substituted.

Driving

Indomethacin can cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, visual disturbances and hence caution is advised while driving. Avoid driving if you experience any such symptoms.

Alcohol

Both Indomethacin and alcohol have the potential to cause stomach problems and to bleed. It is not recommended to take alcohol while on Indomethacin.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You are taking medicines like Tramadol or Paracetamol
You are suffering from liver, kidney or lungs problem
You have a history of fits, head injury or shocks
You are dependent on medicines like Morphine

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Indomethacin and other medicines in the NSAID class acts by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. This enzyme regulates pain, fever, immune reactions (inflammation) and other such similar conditions.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Blood-thinning agents (Warfarin, Aspirin, etc.)
Other painkillers (NSAIDs)
Probenecid (used for gout)
Methotrexate (used to treat certain cancers, skin diseases and joint pains)
Cyclosporine (immunosuppressant to handle rejection after organ transplant, skin disease and joint pains due to overactive immune system)
Phenylpropanolamine (used for cough and cold)
Medicines used to treat high blood pressure, water pills (Diuretics, Furosemide, etc.)
Medicines used to treat heart failure and irregular rhythm (Digoxin, etc.)
Lithium (used to treat mental disorders)
Mifepristone (used to terminate pregnancy)
Quinolone antibiotics (Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin, etc.)
Medicines used to treat over-reactive immune system (Prednisolone, Betamethasone, Triamcinolone, etc.)

Interactions with food items

Indomethacin has to be taken with food, milk or stomach anti-acids to reduce the chances of stomach upset and bleeding.

Dosage

Overdose

Accidental overdose with Indomethacin is not life-threatening but high overdose may cause stomach pain and bleeding, disorientation, drowsiness, dizziness, fainting, excitation and coma. If you experience any such symptoms, call your doctor immediately and seek medical attention.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember depending on the dosage. If there are three or more doses in a day, skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In general, Indomethacin relieves pain. But due to the availability of safer medicines to treat headache, Indomethacin is not used for regular headaches. Indomethacin is the first choice of medicine for treatment of certain episodic, sudden and long standing headaches (chronic paroxysmal hemicranias) and in headaches due to stress or physical exertion.

It will usually take a week for you to experience any relief of symptoms. You may feel more comfortable after taking Indomethacin for two weeks and will start feeling much better as time progresses. It may take several weeks for the medicine to show full effect.

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