Information about Indomethacin (Generic Indocin) :


Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat many conditions such as arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, or tendinitis. Indomethacin reduces inflammation and pain in the body.

It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

What is the most important information I should know about Indomethacin?
The risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke may be increased while taking this drug. You should not use this drug just before or after having heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Seek emergency immediately in case you have if you have signs of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Your risk of side effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole) may also be increased by Indomethacin. These conditions may be dangerous to life. Gastrointestinal effects can take place without warning at any time while you are using Indomethacin. Older adults are more likely to have a greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Consult with your doctor immediately in case you experience symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. The may include black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

What other drugs will affect Indomethacin?
Be aware that Indomethacin may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), and others; a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune); diflunisal (Dolobid); digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin); diuretics (water pills) such as furosemide (Lasix); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall); probenecid (Benemid); steroids (prednisone and others); or a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others.

In case you are using any of the drugs mentioned above, you may not be able to use indomethacin or you may need special dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should consult with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Avoid drinking alcohol as the risk of stomach bleeding may be increased while taking Indomethacin. Consult with your doctor before taking any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication. Many medicines available over the counter contain aspirin or other medicines similar to Indomethacin (such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen). Be aware that you may accidentally take exceeded dosage of this medication. Read the information of any other medicine carefully whether it contains aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen.

How should I take Indomethacin?
Take this medication as prescribed by your doctor.
It is recommended to take Indomethacin with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. Avoid crushing, chewing, breaking, or opening an extended-release capsule. Try to swallow the pill whole. Be aware that breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at once. The oral suspension (liquid) should be shaken well before you measure a dose. Use special marked measuring spoon or medicine cup to get the correct dose. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring device.

Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor as it is important for the side effects prevention.

This medication may affect certain medical tests.

Notice medical personel before you undergo any manipulations that you are taking Indomethacin.

Indomethacin must be kept at indoor temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze the liquid medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?
In case you miss a dose of Indomethacin, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

In case you are using Indomethacin as needed, you should take the missed dose when it is needed, and then wait the recommended or prescribed amount of time before taking another one.

What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency in case overdosage is suspected. Signs of an indomethacin are nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drowsiness, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while using Indomethacin?
Be aware that your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn while taking Indomethacin. It is recommended to use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing in case you are not able to prevent such exposure.

Indomethacin side effects:
Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking Indomethacin and consult with your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects: chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; black, bloody, or tarry stools; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; swelling or rapid weight gain; urinating less than usual or not at all; nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness.

Do not give up taking Indomethacin but consult with your doctor in case you have any of these less serious side effects especially bothersome: upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas; dizziness, nervousness, headache; skin rash, itching; blurred vision; or ringing in your ears.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.