Indocin (Indomethacin)
Indocin Information
Indocin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve the inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain associated with moderate or severe rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis), and ankylosing spondylitis . It is also used to treat bursitis, tendinitis (acute painful shoulder), acute gouty arthritis, and other kinds of pain.
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Indocin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Indomethacin relieves the inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. Generic indomethacin capsules and sustained-release capsules are available.
Warnings about Indocin
Indocin prolongs bleeding time. If you are taking blood-thinning medication, this drug should be taken with caution.
Like other NSAIDs, Indocin may cause serious skin reactions such as rash, blisters, and itching. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Your doctor should prescribe the lowest possible effective dose. The incidence of side effects increases as dosage increases.
Peptic ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning, especially in people over 65.
This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or liver disease, and it can cause liver inflammation in some people. Signs of a liver problem include nausea, fatigue, itchy spots, flu-like symptoms, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin). If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Do not take aspirin or any other anti-inflammatory medications while taking Indocin, unless your doctor tells you to do so.
If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, this drug can increase water retention.
This drug can mask the symptoms of an existing infection.
Indocin may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended. Indocin may also cause confusion and, rarely, psychosis, especially in older adults.
What side effects may I notice from taking Indocin?
Elderly patients are at increased risk for developing side effects.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•signs of bleeding from the stomach - black tarry stools, blood in the urine, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
•signs of an allergic reaction - difficulty breathing or wheezing, skin rash, redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching, swelling of eyelids, throat, lips
•blurred vision
•change in the amount of urine passed
•difficulty swallowing, severe heartburn or burning, pain in throat
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•stomach pain or cramps
•swelling of feet or ankles
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea or constipation
•dizziness, drowsiness
•gas or heartburn
•headache
•nausea, vomiting
Generic Indocin