Indometacin

Drug name: Indometacin


Other names used:

• Indochron®
• Indocid®

Active Ingredients: Indomethacin

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:
Indometacin is used to treat:

• Abdominal pain associated with menstrual periods (dysmenorrhoea)
• Acute gout
• Inflammation of joints
• Muscle pain (myalgia)
• Pain
• Pain following surgery

Contraindications and cautions:
Do not use Indometacin suppositories if :

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Indocin Suppositories
• you have had a severe allergic reaction (eg, severe rash, hives, trouble breathing, growths in the nose, dizziness) to aspirin or an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib)
• you have recently had or will be having bypass heart surgery
• you have a history of inflammation of the rectum or anus or recent rectal bleeding
• you are taking diflunisal, another NSAID (eg, ibuprofen), or triamterene
• you are in the last 3 months of pregnancy

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, perforation, ulcers, inflammation)
• if you have a history of swelling or fluid buildup, depression, mental or mood problems, seizures, Parkinson disease, asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), or mouth inflammation
• if you have high blood pressure, a blood disorder, bleeding or clotting problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure), or blood vessel disease, or if you are at risk for any of these diseases
• if you have poor health, dehydration or low fluid volume, low blood sodium levels, or high blood potassium levels, you drink alcohol, or you have a history of alcohol abuse

Warning!!
Indometacin Suppositories is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal heart and blood vessel problems (eg, heart attack, stroke). The risk may be greater if you already have heart problems or if you take Indometacin Suppositories for a long time. Do not use Indometacin Suppositories right before or after bypass heart surgery.
Indometacin Suppositories may cause an increased risk of serious and sometimes fatal stomach ulcers and bleeding. Elderly patients may be at greater risk. This may occur without warning signs.

Adverse effects: Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. 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.
Indometacin may cause side effects.

• headache
• dizziness
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• irritation of the rectum
• constant feeling of the need to empty the bowel
• ringing in the ears

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately. Do not take any more indomethacin until you speak to your doctor.

• unexplained weight gain
• fever
• blisters
• rash
• itching
• hives
• swelling of the eyes, face, tongue, lips, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hoarseness
• pale skin
• fast heartbeat
• excessive tiredness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• lack of energy
• upset stomach
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• flu-like symptoms
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine
• back pain
• difficult or painful urination
• blurred vision or other problems with sight

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions: It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
Especially pay attention to the following drugs:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), diflunisal, heparin, other NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen), salicylates (eg, aspirin), or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine) because the risk of stomach bleeding may be increased
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone, triamterene) because the risk of kidney problems or increased blood potassium levels may be increased
• Cyclophosphamide because low blood sodium levels may occur
• Probenecid because it may increase the risk of Indocin Suppositories's side effects
• Cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), or sulfonylureas (eg, glipizide) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Indocin Suppositories
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), angiotensin receptor blockers (eg, losartan), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), or diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Indocin Suppositories

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.