Sometimes we experience unbearable joint pain and inflammation in our bodies, right? Or there are times when it becomes so difficult that we cannot even do our daily tasks due to a condition like arthritis. So, in such a situation, has a doctor prescribed a medicine called Indomethacin to you? So today, let's talk about this medicine in simple terms, its function, things to be careful about while using it, and its side effects.
What is Indomethacin?
Simply put, indomethacin is a medicine that reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation in the body. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain, as well as conditions such as arthritis.
Medically speaking, this belongs to a class of drugs called NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). These drugs work by reducing the production of chemicals in our body that cause pain and inflammation. That is why pain and swelling are controlled.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before giving you indomethacin, your doctor will want to know about your health history. This medicine may not be compatible with some medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Disease or condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Bleeding diseases | If you have a disease that prevents blood from clotting easily. |
| Heart surgery | If you have undergone heart bypass surgery (CABG) within the last two weeks. |
| Dehydration | If there is a lack of water in the body (dehydration). |
| Mental illness | Conditions such as depression or Parkinson's disease. |
| Heart disease | If you have a previous heart attack, heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart failure. |
| Liver or kidney disease | If you have any liver or kidney disease. |
| Respiratory diseases | Lung diseases such as asthma. |
| Stomach problems | Stomach ulcers, bleeding, or other intestinal diseases. |
| Other medications | If you are taking blood thinners or steroids (e.g. Prednisone). |
| Habits | If you regularly drink alcohol or smoke. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to indomethacin, aspirin, or other NSAID medications or foods. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.
- This medicine is to be taken by mouth. Try to take it at the same time every day, exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
- This is the most important thing: Do not break, crush, or chew these capsules. Swallow the capsules whole with water. These are Extended-Release, meaning the medicine is released into the body over time. If you break them, that process is lost.
- You can take this medicine before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset or heartburn, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What if I overdose?
If you have any suspicion that you have 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 .
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Indomethacin is a drug that can interact with other medications, so it is very important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking.
| Never take with indomethacin! | |
|---|---|
| Cidofovir | Methotrexate |
| Diflunisal | Pemetrexed |
| Ketorolac | Triamterene |
| These can also cause problems (tell your doctor ). | |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Medications for diabetes |
| Aspirin and similar medications | Medications for high blood pressure |
| Cyclosporine, Lithium, Digoxin | Medicines that control blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) |
| Diuretics (medicines that increase urination) | Other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) |
| Probenecid | Steroid-type medications (e.g. Prednisone) |
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, or herbal remedy you are taking.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Stomach bleeding: This medicine can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. This can happen without warning . Smoking, drinking alcohol, being older, and having poor health increases your risk. If you have stomach pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or black, tarry stools, seek medical attention right away.
- Heart attack and stroke: This medicine may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, especially with long-term use and if you already have heart disease.
- 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. Do not take this medicine after 30 weeks.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.
- Skin reactions: Sometimes serious skin reactions can occur, including blistering and peeling of the skin. If you develop a red rash with fever, body aches, or a rash, tell your doctor right away.
Possible side effects
Like any medication, indomethacin can have side effects.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Being allergic | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Bleeding | Black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dark urine. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulder, arm, difficulty breathing. |
| Heart Failure Symptoms | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, limbs, sudden weight gain. |
| Kidney/liver damage | Decreased urine output, yellowing of the eyes/skin, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, or walking. |
Side effects that are usually not serious:
These are usually not serious, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor .
- Headache
- Nausea
- Appetite
- Stomach discomfort
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as the doctor tells you, in the exact dosage, and at the exact time.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the capsules. Swallow whole. If you experience stomach upset, take with food.
- Don't forget to tell your doctor about all other medications you take (especially aspirin and other painkillers).
- If you experience stomach pain, black stools, chest pain, or severe skin rash, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this medication.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න