Indometacin / Indomethacin
Molecule Description
Indomethacin is a commonly used painkiller which can also treat fever or any im
mune reactions (inflammation).
Uses of Indometacin / Indomethacin
It is used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain.
Contraindications of Indometacin / Indomethacin
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 of Indometacin / Indomethacin
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 of Indometacin / Indomethacin
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Indometacin / Indomethacin during pregnancy?
A:
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
Q:
Can I take Indometacin / Indomethacin while breastfeeding?
A:
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
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Indometacin / Indomethacin?
A:
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
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Indometacin / Indomethacin?
A:
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 of Indometacin / Indomethacin
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 of Indometacin / Indomethacin
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 of Indometacin / Indomethacin
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....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Abhishek B L
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Indomethacin used to treat headaches?
A: 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.
Q: How long does it take for Indomethacin to work?
A: 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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