Indocin

Drug Uses

Indocin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to relieve the inflammation and joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It may also be prescribed to cure gout or certain types of bursitis and tendonitis (acute painful shoulder)

How it is taken

Indocin can be taken by mouth with a meal with a full glass of water. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Indocin then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose. The symptoms of an Indocin overdose include convulsions, disorientation, confusion, decreased urination, loss of consciousness, dizziness, intense headache, lethargy, mental confusion, severe headache, severe nausea or stomach pain, numbness, tingling, unusual bleeding or bruising and vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have a history of kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or stomach or bowel problems (eg, bleeding, perforation, ulcers, inflammation), 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, 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, 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.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if you have had a severe allergic reaction to aspirin or an NSAID (eg, ibuprofen, celecoxib), if you have recently had or will be having bypass heart surgery or you are taking diflunisal, another NSAID (eg, ibuprofen), or triamterene.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Indocin and contact your doctor immediately as it is known to cause harm to the fetus.

Certain drugs can interact with Indocin and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Indocin is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Indocin is known to cause serious stomach ulcers and bleeding. These effects get aggravated if you take alcohol. If you notice severe stomach or back pain, black, tarry stools, vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds, or unusual weight gain or swelling, then stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.

Indocin should be used with extreme caution in children below 15 years of age as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Indocin may cause certain lab tests to be incorrect. Ensure that your lab personnel know that you are taking the drug.

It has been noted that elderly patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are onstipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, gas, headache, heartburn, nausea, stomach upset. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blood in the urine, bloody or black, tarry stools, change in the amount of urine produced, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, depression, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or persistent sore throat, mental or mood changes, numbness of an arm or leg, one–sided weakness, rectal bleeding, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, ringing in the ears, seizures, severe headache or dizziness, severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea, severe vomiting, shortness of breath, sudden or unexplained weight gain, swelling of hands, legs, or feet, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual joint or muscle pain, unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual vaginal bleeding, vision or speech changes, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.