Indocin (Indomethacin) Review

Indocin is a brand name for the generic drug indomethacin. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, used to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, arthritis of the spine, bursitis, tendonitis, gouty arthritis, and other kinds of pain. It is given in capsules, liquid, or suppositories.

Some common side effects of Indocin can include abdominal pain, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, ringing in the ears, drowsiness, stomach pain or illness, vomiting. It may cause you to become drowsy or less alert, so you should avoid driving or other activities that require full mental alertness. In rare cases, Indocin can cause confusion, and even psychosis, especially in older adults. Indocin can prolong bleeding time, so if you are taking blood thinning medication, you should be very cautious. It can also cause peptic ulcers and abdominal bleeding, and inflammation of the kidneys or liver.

Some people should not take Indocin, or should have their dosages adjusted to allow for certain conditions. You should not use the suppositories if you have a history of rectal bleeding or inflammation. You should also take care while taking Indocin if you have liver or kidney disease. You should not take Indocin if you are taking aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications, unless instructed to by your doctor. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, Indocin could cause you to retain water. It could also mask the symptoms of an existing infection, so if you display fever or sore throat, you should see your doctor. NSAIDs also increase the risk of blood clots in the heart, heart attacks, or strokes, which can be serious or fatal.

Indocin should not be taken with certain other medications. These include aspirin and other salicyclates which reduce the protein binding capability of Indocin; beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents, which can be blunted by Indocin or other NSAIDs; cyclosporine, which increases your risk of cyclosporine-induced toxicity when taken with Indocin; diflunisal, which decreases kidney function and increases the risk of stomach or intestinal hemorrhage; digoxin, which increases the serum concentration of digoxin; diuretics, which can affect kidney function when given with Indocin; lithium, which can also impair the kidneys when given with Indocin; methotrexate, which is rendered ineffective when used with Indocin; other NSAIDs, which can increase the likelihood of negative effects on the stomach; oral coagulants such as warfarin, which can increase the risk of internal bleeding; and probenecid, which can increase the plasma levels of Indocin.

The effects of Indocin on pregnant women or their unborn babies has not been documented. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss it with your doctor before you start taking Indocin. It is also not known whether Indocin passes into breast mik, to you should let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding or planning to breast feed your baby. Indocin has not been evaluated for children under the age of fourteen, and is not normally recommended for them.