Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Indomethacin

Indomethacin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Indomethacin?

Indomethacin is an indole-derived NSAID or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug. It is an inhibitor of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme. COX enzyme plays an important role in the synthesis of various prostaglandins which are responsible for inflammatory activity in the body. Therefore, Indomethacin works to reduce the swelling, pain, redness, and high temperatures associated with inflammation. Available as oral and rectal formulations, the drug is used to provide pain relief in diseases like arthritis, spondylitis, bursitis, and tendinitis.

What are the uses of Indomethacin?

The uses of Indomethacin are mainly to provide pain relief in the following conditions-

  • Indomethacin is used to provide relief from joint pain in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gouty arthritis, or backache bursitis, or tendinitis.
  • It is also used to alleviate pain in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, back pain, and headaches.
  • One of the most important uses of Indomethacin is to close the ductus arteriosus or simply close the ‘hole in the heart’.

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    What are the side effects of Indomethacin?

    Indomethacin affects various body systems producing-

    • Gastrointestinal side effects like the formation of gastric ulcers, indigestion, nausea, and heartburn;
    • Renal side effects like nephritis;
    • Neurological side effects like tinnitus, vertigo, dizziness, and headaches.

    The use of indomethacin can also lead to the formation of nasal polyps resulting in respiratory difficulties.

    • As a rare but serious side effect, indomethacin can also induce liver damage. Generalized fatigue is also common.

    What is Indomethacin

    Uses of Indomethacin

    Side effects of Indomethacin

    References

    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555936/
    2. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Indomethacin
    3. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00328
    4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8880-5186/indomethacin-oral/indomethacin-oral/details
    5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/368535/

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Indomethacin

    Yes. It is completely safe to take the two medicines together. Take precautions and keep the doses within the prescribed range.
    Monitor the dosages and side effects carefully. Taking extra doses can increase the drugs' concentration in the body and lead to serious side effects. Consult our medical experts to know more.

    Indomethacin usually takes quite a long time to work. It might take one to four weeks to experience pain relief after taking the medicine. If you have been taking Indomethacin for a long time and experienced no relief, get in touch with our medical experts to know why your dose has not worked yet.

    Yes. General fatigue and tiredness are common in people taking indomethacin. It makes you feel groggy. Use of the drug before bedtime can also cause reduced alertness upon waking up. Avoid dosing schedules before heavy machinery use if you feel heavily drowsy after taking the medicine.

    No. The use of indomethacin is associated with feelings of dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and seizures (rarely) but getting high after the dose has not been seen. However, neurological side effects may vary with individuals. Consult our experts to gain a better understanding of the symptoms you are experiencing.

    Yes. Indomethacin belongs to the class of NSAID drugs. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is anti-inflammatory because it inhibits the COX enzyme which is used in the synthesis of various inflammatory mediators. Indomethacin also has antipyretic and analgesic functions.

    No. It is not advisable to use two Indomethacin. Increase your dose only if your doctor has advised you to. In case you miss a dose, taking the missed dose with the next dose can increase the total body concentration of indomethacin. This increases your chances of suffering from side effects. Get expert help on your dosing schedules from our medical professionals.

    Yes. Indomethacin is a pain killer tablet. It has been used to treat joint aches, backaches, and headaches due to a variety of underlying conditions. It is also an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drug. It provides pain relief by inhibiting the synthesis of pain-producing inflammatory mediators.

    Treatment of chronic pain conditions with Indomethacin generally requires a lot of patience. The drug takes almost one week to start showing signs of pain relief and anti-inflammatory activities. The time taken also depends on the condition being treated, for example, treatment of gouty arthritis may take as long as four weeks.

    Not really. Indomethacin and Ibuprofen both belong to the drug class of NSAID. While the drugs have similar functional profiles, indomethacin may be associated with a slightly greater risk of side effects. A recent study proved both the drugs to be of comparable efficacy.

    Indomethacin is a generally safe drug to use. The serious side effects of the drug, like kidney and liver damage, occur only in rare conditions. Following proper dosing intervals helps to minimize the side effects. Get expert medical opinions from our medical professionals to know more.