Indications 

Indocin is a prescription medication indicated to alleviate moderate to severe pain, swelling, tenderness, and stiffness caused by the following conditions: 

• Rheumatoid arthritis (arthritis caused by joint lining inflammation), including acute flare-ups of chronic disease 
• Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis primarily affecting the spine) 
• Osteoarthritis (arthritis caused by joint lining breakdown) 
• Acute painful shoulder caused by bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in the shoulder joint) or tendinitis (inflammation of tissue connecting muscle to bone) 
• Acute gouty arthritis (severe joint pain and swelling from a build-up of certain substances in joints) 

As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Indocin exerts its therapeutic effects by suppressing the synthesis of prostaglandin which is a crucial mediator of inflammation, fever, and pain. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Indocin and every time you get a refill, thoroughly review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Seek the guidance of your physician or pharmacist if you have questions or clarifications. 

The dosage of Indocin is individualized based on the patient’s medical condition and response to the treatment. For pediatric patients, weight is also considered. 

Indocin is usually administered two to three times per day with a full glass of water as directed by the doctor. To mitigate the risk of stomach bleeding and other adverse effects, doctors typically prescribe the lowest effective dose of this medication for the shortest feasible duration. 

After taking Indocin, refrain from lying down for at least ten minutes. If stomach discomfort arises while taking this medication, it can be consumed alongside food, milk, or an antacid. 

To treat persistent conditions like arthritis, adhere to the prescribed regimen of Indocin. If it is being taken on an as-needed basis, it is recommended to take it at the earliest indication of pain for optimal efficacy. Delaying until the pain has intensified may result in reduced effectiveness of the medication. 

Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely when taking Indocin. Refrain from altering the dosage or frequency of intake without medical guidance. 

Side Effects 

Possible side effects associated with the use of Indocin are listed below. If any of them persist or worsen, inform your doctor or pharmacist right away.  

Common Side Effects 

• Indigestion or nausea 
• Headache 
• Dizziness 

Serious Side Effects 

• Mild or severe skin rash 
• Changes in vision 
• Signs of heart problems: 
  • Swelling 
  • Rapid weight gain 
  • Shortness of breath 
• Indicators of liver or pancreas issues: 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Upper stomach pain (which may extend to the back) 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Extreme fatigue 
  • Itching 
  • Flu-like symptoms 
  • Dark urine 
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) 
• Signs of stomach bleeding: 
  • Bloody or tarry stools 
  • Coughing up blood 
  • Vomit that resembles coffee grounds 
• Signs of kidney problems: 
  • Reduced or no urination 
  • Swelling in the feet or ankles 
  • Exhaustion 
  • Shortness of breath 
• Signs of low red blood cells: 
  • Pale skin 
  • Unusual fatigue 
  • Light-headedness 
  • Cold hands and feet 

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you experience any of the severe symptoms mentioned above. 

Seek immediate medical attention if you exhibit symptoms of a heart attack or stroke: 

• Chest pain that radiates to the jaw or shoulder 
• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body 
• Slurred speech 
• Leg swelling 
• Difficulty breathing 

Discontinue intake of Indocin and get medical attention immediately if a severe drug reaction occurs, which can impact several body parts. Indications of such a reaction may comprise of:  

• Skin rash 
• Fever 
• Swollen glands 
• Muscle soreness 
• Profound weakness 
• Abnormal bruising 
• Jaundice-like symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes 

Allergic Reactions 

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as: 

• Hives 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Facial or throat swelling 

Consult a healthcare professional urgently if you have a severe skin reaction, including: 

• Fever 
• Sore throat 
• Burning eyes 
• Skin pain 
• Red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling 

The side effects of Indocin listed here are not complete. If any unmentioned side effects arise and cause discomfort, notify your doctor right away. 

Cautions 

Before initiating treatment with Indocin, inform your physician or pharmacist of any known hypersensitivities, particularly to indomethacin, aspirin, or other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), as well as any other medications, or any of the inactive ingredients present in Indocin capsules. 

To determine whether Indocin is safe for you, disclose your medical history to your doctor, with a particular emphasis on: 

• Asthma, including any past occurrences of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs 
• Bleeding or clotting disorders 
• Growths in the nasal passages (nasal polyps) 
• Heart disease, including previous heart attacks 
• High blood pressure 
• Liver disease 
• Problems in the stomach, intestines, or esophagus, such as recurring heartburn, ulcers, or bleeding 
• Stroke 

Certain products may interact with Indocin, including: 

• Aliskiren 
• Ace inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril) 
• Arbs (such as valsartan, losartan) 
• Cidofovir 
• Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) 
• Lithium 
• Methotrexate 
• Diuretics such as furosemide 

To prevent such drug interactions, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products you are currently or planning to take. 

Carefully examine the labels of all prescription and non-prescription medicines you have, as many contain pain relievers/fever reducers similar to indomethacin, such as aspirin, celecoxib, diflunisal, ibuprofen, or ketorolac, which may heighten the risk of side effects when taken concurrently. 

However, if low-dose aspirin is prescribed by your doctor to prevent heart attack or stroke, adhere to it strictly. 

Before undergoing any laboratory examination, notify your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel of your use of Indocin since it can impact the outcomes of specific lab tests. 

Indocin heightens the risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, regardless of any pre-existing risk factors. It should not be used before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft or CABG). 

Indocin can induce dizziness or drowsiness, which may be intensified by alcohol or cannabis. Refrain from activities that require alertness until it is safe to do so. Consult your physician regarding the appropriate consumption of alcohol during your Indocin treatment as well as if you are using cannabis. 

The use of Indocin may heighten your sun sensitivity. Minimize sun exposure, steer clear of tanning booths and sunlamps, and don protective clothing with sunscreen when outside. If sunburn, skin redness, or blisters occur, promptly inform your physician. 

Indocin may temporarily affect the ability of a woman to have children. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this meditation to your health, especially when planning to conceive. 

Unless advised by a physician, pregnant individuals should avoid taking Indocin as consuming an NSAID during the final 20 weeks of pregnancy can lead to severe heart or kidney problems in the unborn child and potential pregnancy complications. 

Before nursing an infant, lactating mothers should consult their doctor if taking Indocin, as indomethacin transfers into breast milk and may elicit undesirable effects on the nursing infant.