Indomethacin Description

Generic Name : INDOMETHACIN

Pronunciation : (in doe meth' a sin)

Trade Name(s) : Artisid, Idicin, Indocap, Indoflam, Inmecin, Inmecin-R, Inocin, Microcid, Recticin

Why it is prescribed: Indomethacin relieves the pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness caused by certain types of arthritis and other medical problems.

When it is to be taken: Indomethacin capsules and liquid are usually taken two to four times a day; extended-release capsules are taken one or two times a day. Although arthritis symptoms may improve after four to six days, you may have to take this drug regularly for one month before feeling its full effect. If you have persistent night pain or morning stiffness, take one of your doses at bedtime.

How it should be taken: Indomethacin comes in the form of regular capsules, extended-release or long-acting capsules, and oral liquid. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Extended-release capsules should be swallowed whole; do not open them to mix the contents with food or beverages. Shake the oral liquid bottle well before each use. You may obtain a specially marked measuring spoon to be sure of an accurate dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Indomethacin can affect mental alertness and coordination. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
2. Take only the amount of medication prescribed. If you think you need more to relieve your symptoms, contact your doctor.
3. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may wish to adjust your dose, and you may have blood tests.
4. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember a missed dose near the time you are to take the next dose, take only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain. Take the medication immediately after meals, with food, or with antacids.
2. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Contact your doctor if these effects persist or severe.
3. Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, ringing in the ears. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Certain drugs can affect the way your body responds to this medication. Before you take indomethacin, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially aspirin, anticoagulants, lithium, probenecid, and high blood pressure medications.
2. Tell your doctor if you ever had gastritis or bleeding from the stomach or rectum, ulcers, diverticulitis, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, or mental disorder.
3. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should tell their doctors before taking indomethacin.
4. If you ever had a bad reaction to aspirin or other arthritis medications, tell your doctor before taking indomethacin.
5. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.
3. Do not allow the oral liquid to freeze.