Indomethacin - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Indomethacin is a drug used to relieve inflammation and pain. Indomethacin bisa used for merelieve pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), pain due to arthritis (arthritis)), and pain in gout.

Indomethacin belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This drug works by inhibiting an enzyme that produces prostaglandins, which are substances that cause inflammation. In addition to relieving pain, indomethacin can also be used in treatment patent ductus arterious, which is a type of congenital heart disease.

Indomethacin trademark: Dialon

What's that Indomethacin

groupNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
CategoryPrescription drugs
BenefitRelieves pain due to arthritis, gout, tendon inflammation, or menstrual pain.
Consumed byAdults and children
Indomethacin for pregnant and lactating womenCategory C for gestational age 30 weeks: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women.

Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.

Category D for gestational age 30 weeks:

There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations.

Indomethacin can be absorbed into breast milk. Do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor.

ShapeInfusions, capsules, eye drops and suppositories

Warning Before Using Indomethacin

Indomethacin should not be used without a doctor's prescription. Before using this drug, there are a few things you need to pay attention to:

  • Do not use this medication if you are allergic to indomethacin or other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
  • Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery while you are taking indomethacin, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
  • Do not consume alcoholic beverages while you are taking indomethacin, as this can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Indomethacin can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Avoid doing activities that expose you to direct sunlight while taking this medicine.
  • Do not use indomethacin in patients who are about to undergo CABG surgery.
  • Tell if you have asthma, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes hypertension, ulcers, acid reflux disease, stomach ulcers, stroke, blood clotting disorders, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease, or mental disorders.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, vitamin supplements, or herbal products.
  • Tell your doctor if you are going to have any surgical procedures including dental surgery.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
  • If you have an allergic reaction or overdose after using indomethacin, see a doctor immediately.

Indomethacin Dosage and Instructions

The dose of indomethacin given by the doctor is based on age and the condition being treated. The following is an explanation of the dosage and rules for using indomethacin:          

Purpose: Relieves pain due to muscle and joint disorders

Preparation: Oral (capsules)

  • Adults: 25 mg, 2-3 times daily. Dosage can be increased to 150–200 mg per day

Preparation: Suppository medicine

  • Adult: 100 mg, once daily, inserted into the anus at night. If needed, the dose can be repeated again in the morning

Purpose: Treat menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)

Preparation: Drinking medicine

  • Adults: 75 mg per day

Purpose: Relieve pain in gout (gout)

Preparation: Drinking medicine

Adults: 150–200 mg per day divided into several doses

Purpose: Prevent pupil constriction (miosis) during eye surgery

Preparation: eye drops

  • Adults: 4 drops, 1 day before surgery and 3 hours before surgery

Purpose: Prevent pain after eye surgeryphotorefractive keractetomi)

Preparation: eye drops

  • Adults: 1 drop 4 times daily, for several days

In addition, indomethacin can also be used in the treatment of patent ductus arteryiosus, It is a type of congenital heart disease. For this condition, indomethacin will be given in the form of an injection. The dose and duration of treatment will be given by the doctor according to the age and condition of the patient.

How to use Indomethacin correctly

Use indomethacin according to the doctor's advice and read the information on the package. Indomethacin in capsule form should be swallowed whole with or after meals to prevent side effects, such as indigestion.

The duration of the use of indomethacin will be determined by the doctor, according to the patient's condition. This drug can be used in the short or long term.

Take indomethacin at the same time every day to be more effective. If you forget to take indomethacin, it is advisable to do it as soon as you remember it, if the interval with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.

Indomethacin in the form of injections will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

Indomethacin in the form of suppositories needs to be dipped in water before use. Do not have a bowel movement for at least 1 hour from the time you insert the suppository into the anus.

If using your right hand to insert the suppository into the anus, lie on your left side. Hold the drug in the anus for a few moments. Wait up to 15 minutes before you return to your activities.

Store indomethacin in its package at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Indomethacin Interactions with Other Drugs

Indomethacin can cause drug interactions if used by other drugs, including:

  • Increased blood levels of methotrexate or probenecid
  • Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding if used with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin
  • Increased risk of kidney damage due to the opposite effect when used with ACE inhibitors, such as captopril, enapril, or lisinopril.
  • Increased risk of hyperkalemia when used with vitamin K supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics
  • Decreased effectiveness of furosemide, hydralazine, thiazide-type diuretics, and beta blockers, such as atenolol, propranolol, and oxyprenolol
  • Increased risk of haloperidol side effects

Side Effects and Dangers Indomethacin

There are some side effects that may occur after consuming or using indomethacin. Side effects that can occur include:

  • Stomach ache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach acid disease
  • Dyspepsia
  • Headache or dizziness
  • Very sleepy

Call your doctor if the above symptoms get worse and are interfering with your activities. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or serious side effects, such as:

  • Neck feels stiff for no reason
  • Changes in the amount of urine or dark urine
  • Loss of appetite
  • Bloody or black stools
  • Yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice)

In addition, be aware of the symptoms of an overdose that can occur due to the use of indomethacin in excessive doses, such as:

  • Confusion
  • Terrible headache
  • Very sleepy or very lethargic