Indomethacin is a prescription-only NSAID used to treat pain, swelling, and fever associated with various conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis. It is typically taken orally or via suppository in doses of 25-50mg up to 4 times daily not exceeding 200mg total. Common side effects include stomach upset, dizziness, and headaches, while long term use has been linked to increased heart attack and stroke risk.

1. Indomethacin
Indomethacin is a fairly common NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It’s not one of
the big three over-the-counter NSAIDs – aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen – but it often
prescribed for a number of conditions. Indomethacin also goes by the name indometacin
NSAIDs are extremely common drugs in pharmacies all over the world. They are commonly
used as for a range of symptoms, most often pain, swelling and fever. Click here for more
information about NSAIDs.
Indomethacin Availability
Indomethacin in all dosages is exclusively a prescription medication. It shouldn’t be taken
except under the advice of doctor and with a doctor’s supervision.
Indomethacin Dosage
Available in a variety of forms, this medication is typically taken orally. Oral capsules are either
immediate release or extended release. Individual doses of the immediate release medications
are usually 25 mg to 50 mg to a total daily dose of 150 mg to 200 mg. Longer release pills are
typically 75 mg and taken once or twice a day.
Indomethacin may also be prescribed as a suppository (that is taken in the rectum instead of
the mouth). These suppositories are typically 50 mg of active medicine and taken up to 4 times
a day.
For certain conditions, indomethacin is prescribed to children direct to the bloodstream via IV.
The exact dosage depends on the condition and the child’s weight. The dosage shouldn’t be
over 200 mg a day, however, regardless of anything else used to calculate the dosage.
Common Uses of Indomethacin
Ankylosing Spondylitis – This is an arthritic condition that affects the spaces between the bones
of the spine and between the spine and the pelvis. it also results in swelling and pain, like other
forms of arthritis, but it can be helped with NSAIDs.
Bursitis – Bursae (or one bursa) are fluid-filled sacs found in most joints. Bursitis is a swelling of
these sacs leading to tenderness and pain in joints affected. The swelling and pain are often
managed with NSAIDs, which could include indomethacin.
Gouty Arthritis – Also called acute gout, this problem is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the
joints, leaving behind painful crystals of the compound. While not curing gout, NSAIDs like
indomethacin are often used to treat the symptoms while the gout is cured with changes in
lifestyle.
1/3

2. Osteoarthritis – This is when the cartilage that lubricates and pads the joints begins to break
down. Indomethacin is often used to treat the pain and swelling that follows.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – This is the painful swelling of joints, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Treating it with indomethacin not only addresses the pain, but also helps reduce the swelling.
Tendinitis – This is a soft tissue injury to a tendon, the connective tissue that binds muscle to
bone. Often sore and swollen, a variety of NSAIDs are used to treat tendinitis.
This is not a complete list of conditions treated with indomethacin. Certain rare problems like
patent ductus arteriosus (an infant heart condition), Bartter syndrome (a kidney disorder), and
Gitelman syndrome (also a kidney disorder).
Here is additional information about conditions treated with NSAIDs.
Indomethacin Side Effects
This medication shares many of the side effects of NSAIDs in general. An individual patient may
be more or less sensitive to a given drug’s side effects, but any of the following side effects
could be expected. These shouldn’t be considered serious unless they are either very intense
or long-lasting.
difficulty with bowel movements (constipation)
too many or water bowel movement (diarrhea)
loss of balance or dizziness
desire to sleep or drowsiness
headache
heartburn
nausea and possibly vomiting
stomach discomfort or abdominal pain
tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
Rarely, other side-effects do appear. If any of the following side effects appear, it’s important to
see a doctor immediately. They may be signs of stomach bleeding, intestinal bleeding, or an
allergic reaction.
vomiting dark colored vomit (especially if it looks like coffee grounds)
bloody or black bowel movements
rash, hives, or otherwise itching skin
edema (swelling) of the hands, feet, face or tongue
NSAIDs in general are also known for causing certain adverse reactions if used for an extended
period of time, especially at high doses. With the exception of aspirin, NSAIDs have been linked
to increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In some extreme cases, indomethacin has also
been linked to kidney failure.
2/3

3. There is more information available here about the adverse effects of NSAIDs.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE: http://www.nsaids-list.com
3/3
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)