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Drug name: Indometacin
Therapeutic actions: Indometacin belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking the production of a chemical (prostaglandin) which the body produces in response to injury or certain diseases. This prostaglandin would otherwise go on to cause swelling, pain and inflammation. All the medicines in this group reduce inflammation caused by the body's own immune system and are effective pain killers.
Indications:
- Abdominal pain associated with menstrual periods (dysmenorrhoea)
- Acute gout
- Inflammation of joints
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- Pain
- Pain following surgery
Contraindications and cautions:
- This medicine may cause dizziness. Avoid driving and operating machinery if affected.
- It is recommended that you receive regular eye examinations while you taking this medicine, as it can sometimes cause eye problems. Consult your doctor if you experience any disturbances in your vision while taking this medicine.
- During long term treatment, routine blood tests are recommended by the manufacturer. This is to ensure that no problems are being caused by the medicine.
Use with caution in
- Asthma
- Children
- Elderly people
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- Infection
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Psychiatric disorders
Not to be used in
- Allergy to aspirin or other medicines in this class
- Peptic ulcers
- Piles/haemorrhoids
- Ulcer caused by a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Adverse effects: The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
- Headache
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Skin rashes
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Ulceration of the stomach or intestine
- Bleeding from the stomach
- Retention of water in the body tissues (fluid retention), resulting in swelling (oedema)
- Irritation and bleeding of the back passage (if given as a suppository)
- Blurred vision
- Blood disorders
- Fits (convulsions)
- Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)
- Severe flaking of the surface layer of the skin (toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- Narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)
- Damage to the liver
- Severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema)
- Rash (allergic reaction)
- Mood changes, strange or abnormal thoughts or depression
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
Interactions Indometacin may enhance the effect of the following medicines, resulting in an increased risk of side-effects or toxicity: baclofen, cyclosporin, desmopressin, digoxin, haloperidol, lithium, methotrexate, phenytoin, quinolone antibiotics, tiludronic acid, zidovudine and blood-thinning or anti-clotting medicines. Indometacin may also enhance the effect of antidiabetic tablets (belonging to the sulphonylurea group), which could lead to low blood sugar levels. The effect of indometacin may be enhanced by the following medicines, resulting in an increased risk of side-effects or toxicity: moclobemide, oxpentifylline, probenecid, ritonavir and steroids. The effect of water tablets (diuretics) and blood pressure lowering agents may be reduced by indometacin, resulting in their being less effective. Use of indometacin with diuretics or ACE inhibitors may increase the risk of kidney problems and/or an altered potassium balance. NSAIDs should not be used within 8-12 days of taking mifepristone. Indometacin should not be taken with another NSAID.
Additional Information: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS PRODUCT, as well as syringes and needles, if needed during treatment, out of the reach of children. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials.
