Indocin

The active ingredient in Indocin is indomethacin. It is an NSAID that works by inhibiting COX enzymes, which are responsible for making prostaglandins. These prostaglandins play a key role in inflammation and symptoms such as fever and pain. By inhibiting these prostaglandins, the inflammation, fever, and pain will be reduced as a result.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Indocin. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Indocin:

• It’s important when using this medication to ensure you are taking the lowest dose needed to manage your pain. Additionally, the capsule can be taken with food if an upset stomach occurs, while other dosage forms can be taken as per the instructions. In the case of missed doses, skip it and take the next dose at the intended time.

The most common side effects of Indocin include:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Indocin. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Heart failure and high blood pressure: shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, blurred vision, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Stomach bleeding or perforation: vomiting blood, dark or bloody stools, and severe stomach pain
• Low red blood cells (anemia): pale skin, tiredness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and cold hands and feet
• Heart attack: chest pain or tightness, pain that radiates up to your shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw
• Stroke: sudden confusion, weakness on one side of your body or face, trouble breathing, and slurred speech
• Liver problems: swelling in your abdomen, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice), confusion, and dark urine
• Severe kidney problems: fatigue, dry and itchy skin, loss of appetite, urinating less than usual, bloody urine, and muscle cramps
• Serious, life-threatening allergic reactions: hives, rash, blisters, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing
• Severe skin reactions: skin rash, reddening, peeling, or blisters
• Hyperkalemia or high potassium levels
• Central nervous system depression

These are not all of the possible side effects of indomethacin. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Indocin, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• High blood pressure or hypertension
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cardiovascular conditions like heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure
• Fluid retention or edema
• Bleeding or ulcers in the stomach
• Kidney problems
• Liver disease

Boxed Warning

• It should not be used just before or after a coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).
• There is an increased risk of bleeding in the stomach and an increased risk of a heart attack.

• If an allergic reaction occurs to Indocin and this can include signs such as hives and difficulty breathing.
• If a skin reaction occurs, which could include signs such as blisters and fever.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking (increased risk of bleeding in the stomach).
• Avoid taking other NSAID products or Aspirin.

Indocin will work within 1 week to manage pain, and depending on the severity of pain, it can take up to 2 weeks.

When Indocin is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Lithium
• Anticoagulants including warfarin
• Probenecid
• Other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen
• Methotrexate
• Digoxin
• Salicylate including diflunisal
• Aspirin
• Steroids
• Diuretics

The dosage forms of Indocin include extended-release capsules, an oral suspension, and suppositories. The suppository should not be used if recent bleeding from the rectum has occurred.

Indocin capsules and suspension should be stored at room temperature and out of reach of children. The rectal suppositories should be stored in the refrigerator.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Indocin are ANI Pharmaceuticals, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, and Zydus Lifesciences.

There are lower-cost alternatives for the brand-name Indocin.

Indocin can be stopped without tapering according to the product information.

This medication can cause toxicity to the unborn baby, especially during the third trimester. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Indocin can pass into the breastmilk, which may be unsafe for the baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.