INDOMETHACIN (IndocinŽ) 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.
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take indomethacin capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water; take capsules in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the capsules, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. Do not crush or chew the sustained-release capsules. It is better to take indomethacin with food to prevent stomach upset. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
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:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Let your prescriber or health care professional know if your pain continues, do not take with other pain-killers without advice. If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself.
To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take indomethacin with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. If you notice black, tarry stools or experience severe stomach pain and vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds, notify your health care prescriber immediately.
If you are taking medicines that affect the clotting of your blood, such as aspirin or blood thinners such as CoumadinŽ, talk to your health care provider or prescriber before taking this medicine.
You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how indomethacin affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol; these increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from indomethacin.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking indomethacin. Problems can arise if you need dental work, and in the day to day care of your teeth. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.
It is especially important not to use indomethacin during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless specifically directed to do so by your health care provider. Indomethacin may cause problems in the unborn child or complications during delivery.
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.