Indocin

Generic Name: Indomethacin

US Brand Name: Indocin

Brand Name(s): Indomethacin is marketed under many trade names around the world, including: Apo-Indomethacin, Catlep, Chrono-Indocid, Dolazol, Dometin, Indacin, Indocid, Indom

Uses

Indomethacin is used to treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis or tendinitis. It is also being used to reduce tumor-induced suppression of the immune system and to increase the effectiveness of anticancer drugs.

Active Ingredients: Indomethacin

Inactive Ingredients: Colloidal silicon dioxide, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Red 3, gelatin, lactose, lecithin, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.

Dosage and Forms

Indomethacin comes as capsules, suspension and ointment.

Indomethacin capsules are used orally in dose 25-50 mg, 2-3 times daily after nutrition. In children older than 14 years recommended dose is 1.5-2.5 mg per kg body weight, divided in three takes. Maximal dose in adults should not exceed 200 mg /24 hours and for children older than 14 years - 150 mg /24 hours. Treatment courses longer than 7 days are not recommendable.

Symptoms of overdose may include: upset stomach; vomiting; headache; dizziness; confusion; extreme tiredness; feeling of numbness, pricking, burning, or creeping on the skin; seizures.

Contraindications and Precautions

Indomethacin should be used with care in patients with renal and liver diseases or ulcer disease in remission. Systemic application of Indomethacin may cause changes in several laboratory tests, including: elevation of the glucose, bilirubin, transaminases, creatine, and urea serum level; prolongs the bleeding time; reduced the creatine clearance; and reduces osmolality of the urine. Application of the capsules in drivers and machine operating persons is not recommendable, as the medicine may provoke side reactions (somnolence, color sensitivity disorders, and diplopia), disturbing the concentration capabilities.

Side Effects

The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, heartburn, rash, headache, dizziness and drowsiness. Indomethacin may cause or worsen stomach or intestinal bleeding or ulcers. It may lead to perforation of the intestine. Indomethacin also can increase blood pressure and decrease kidney function. Individuals who have nasal polyps or are allergic to aspirin or other NSAIDs should not use Indomethacin because there is an increased risk of severe allergic reactions in these individuals.

Interactions

Indomethacin potentiates cumarin anticoagulant activity, activity of the oral antidiabetics, corticosteroids, nifedipin and verapamil. Concomitant administration with other NSAID and aspirin increases the risk of ulceration. Indomethacin reduces the renal clearance of lithium preparation; inhibits the vasodilating effect of nitroglycerin; increases toxicity of the aminoglycoside antibiotics.