Has your doctor prescribed this medicine for your joint pain, arthritis pain, or severe body aches? Indomethacin is a mild painkiller that is often used to control moderate to severe pain, swelling, and arthritis. So as a user of this medicine, it is very important for you to know everything you need to know about it.
What exactly is Indomethacin?
Simply put, Indomethacin is a drug that belongs to a group of drugs called NSAIDs . NSAID stands for 'Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug'. This means that this drug controls the chemical processes that cause pain and inflammation in our body. Therefore, it helps reduce the discomfort felt in conditions like joint pain and arthritis.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine:
Indomethacin is not a one-size-fits-all medication. Therefore, it is important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health before prescribing this medication. If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Your medical condition or habit | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, or heart surgery (CABG). | Indomethacin may slightly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| Previous history of stomach ulcers, gastritis, or stomach bleeding. | This medicine can damage the stomach walls and increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Kidney or liver disease. | Because medications are excreted from the body through these organs, side effects may increase if their function is impaired. |
| Asthma or other respiratory diseases. | Some asthma patients may be allergic to NSAID medications. |
| Taking medication to prevent blood clots (e.g. Warfarin) or having bleeding disorders. | Indomethacin can further increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Drinking alcohol or smoking. | These habits increase the risk of side effects such as stomach bleeding. |
| Trying to get pregnant, being pregnant, or breastfeeding. | This medicine is not suitable for use during pregnancy (especially in the last months) and for breastfeeding mothers. |
| Having allergies to other medications, foods, or substances. | It is important to know if you are allergic to Indomethacin or similar medications. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Taking the medicine at the same time every day can help maintain consistent effectiveness.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is best to take the medicine after a meal .
- Do not stop suddenly: Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- If you are over 65 years of age: Older people may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, so they are usually prescribed a lower dose.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms are similar.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Overdose
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that should not be taken with Indomethacin and may interact
When using Indomethacin, you need to be careful about the other medications you are taking. Taking it with some medications can have dangerous effects.
| Never take Indomethacin with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Ketorolac (another strong painkiller) |
| Methotrexate (a medicine used for cancer and arthritis) | Triamterene (a diuretic) |
| Be sure to ask your doctor if you are taking Indomethacin with these. | |
| Other NSAIDs such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen | Blood thinners such as Warfarin |
| Medications for high blood pressure and diabetes | Steroids such as Prednisone and Cortisone |
| Lithium (for mental illness) | Digoxin (for heart disease) |
| Alcohol | Antacids (medicines used for stomach ulcers) |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies) .
Things to consider when taking the medicine
Stomach bleeding
This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding without warning . If you experience severe stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black, tarry stools , seek medical advice immediately. Smoking and drinking alcohol increase this risk.
Risk of heart attack and stroke
This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, with long-term use and if you already have heart disease, this risk may increase slightly. If you are taking a medicine like aspirin to prevent heart attacks, talk to your doctor before taking Indomethacin.
Possible severe skin reactions
Rarely, severe skin reactions may occur, even weeks after starting this medicine. If you experience fever, body aches, red skin rash, blistering, peeling skin, or swollen lymph nodes in the face, lips, or neck, see a doctor immediately.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Taking this medicine between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. After 30 weeks , taking this medicine is completely prohibited.
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
Common side effects
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Bleeding | Black stools, vomiting blood or coffee grounds, dark red/brown urine. |
| Heart attack symptoms | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, difficulty breathing. |
| Stroke symptoms | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking. |
| Kidney damage | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Liver damage | Pain in the upper right abdomen, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Things that may occur normally, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Stomach upset, nausea |
| Appetite | Drowsiness |
Take-Home Message
- Indomethacin is a strong NSAID that is used for pain and inflammation. Therefore, use it only under medical advice .
- Tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- If you experience stomach pain, black stools, chest pain, or severe skin lesions, seek medical advice immediately .
- While taking this medicine, do not take other painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin without consulting your doctor.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- If you have any questions about this medication, don't be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.
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