INDOMETACIN

This medicine contains the active ingredient indometacin which is also called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or just 'anti-inflammatory'. NSAIDs are used to ease pain, stiffness and inflammation of conditions that affect muscles, bones and joints. Indometacin is also used to reduce pain and inflammation in rheumatic conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, and it is used after surgical operations.

Indometacin, as well as other NSAIDs, eases pain and inflammation by blocking the production of chemicals called ‘prostaglandins’, which are produced at sites of injury or damage.

Is Indometacin suitable for me?

Indometacin is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to indometacin, other NSAIDs or other ingredients of this medicine
• if you have ever had a peptic ulcer or bleeding in your gut
• if you have any gut disorders
• if you have heart disease and/or cerebrovascular disease
• if you have kidney or liver failure
• if you suffer from severe heart failure,
• if you have epilepsy or parkinsonism
• if you suffer from psychiatric disturbances
• if you have porphyria
• if you suffer from nasal polyps
• if you have or have had problems with your blood circulation
• if you are in your last three months of pregnancy

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have ever had any disease of the stomach or intestine
• have asthma or any allergic disease 
• have heart, kidney or liver problems
• have excessive fluid loss, salt restriction or heart failure 
• have blood clotting disorder
• have high blood pressure,
• have diabetes
• have a condition porphyria 
• suffer from any stomach or bowel disorders (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
• suffer with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or any other connective tissue disorder
• currently have an infection
• are due to have an operation

Indometacin interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Indometacin?

This medicine is available in form of a capsule.

You should take indometacin exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The dose will be prescribed according to your condition and needs.

• Capsules should be taken with or after meal.
• The usual dose for capsules is one 25 mg capsule taken two to three times a day.
• The maximum dose is between 100mg and 200mg.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Indometacin side effects?

Like all medicines indometacin can cause side effects, including:

Common:

• stomach pain, heartburn,
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, wind,
• loss of appetite
• headache, dizziness, vertigo
• skin rash

Rare:

• problems with sight
• depression, confusion
• drowsiness, tiredness
• high or low blood pressure,
• abnormal heartbeat,
• chest pain, palpitations,
• heart failure,
• fluid retention,
• liver function disorders
• kidney problems
• fever
• sore throat and mouth
• ringing in the ears
• mouth ulcers

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.