Indocin

What is Indocin?

Indocin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that doctors often prescribe to treat the pain and swelling caused by arthritis.

This medication helps treat moderate to serious rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis.

Doctors also prescribe this drug to treat shoulder pain which is caused due to bursitis or tendinitis.

Remember extended-release Indocin should strictly not be used for treating gouty arthritis.

Intake of the drug provides quick relief from pain, swelling as well as joint stiffness. 

Indocin works by blocking the body’s production of certain natural substances that lead to inflammation.

This further helps in decreasing swelling and pain which is caused by arthritis.

In case, you are treating a chronic condition like arthritis then ask the doctor about using other drugs to treat pain.

After the prescription from the doctor, you can order this medicine from an online pharmacy.

How does Indocin work?

Indocin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking an enzyme in the body causing inflammation.

This medicine contains an active ingredient called indomethacin which belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory.

When the enzyme is blocked, it helps in reducing pain as well as inflammation which is caused by arthritis.

How to use Indocin?

Read the patient information leaflet carefully before starting your treatment with Indocin.

In case, there is any confusion or doubt about the pill then discuss it with the doctor once.

You need to take this medicine by mouth as prescribed by the doctor mainly 2-3 times a day with water.

Swallow the tablet as a whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking it.

Right after taking the medication, you must lie down for at least 10 minutes. 

In case, you suffer from stomach upset while taking an Indocin tablet then take it with food, milk, or an antacid.

Depending upon your medical condition, response to treatment, and age, the dosage of indomethacin will be prescribed.

Doctors often recommend this pill’s dosage to children depending upon their weight.

In case, the weight of your child increases or decreases then inform the doctor because the dosage might be changed.

To decrease the risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, you can take the medicine at the lowest dose.

Without the recommendation of the doctor, you must not increase or decrease the dose.

Increasing the dose or taking it for a long time will not treat the condition quickly but instead cause side effects.

Continue taking the medicine as directed, when using it for treating ongoing conditions like arthritis.

It is always better to discuss all the risks and benefits of Indocin with your doctor.

In conditions like arthritis, you might be suggested to take the medicine for almost 4 weeks.

This is generally recommended when you take the drug regularly. Do not stop taking it unless you get full benefits.

If you are taking the medicine on an “as required” basis then take it as the first signs of pain occur.

Keep one thing in your mind, this pill is not going to show its benefits when taken after the pain has worsened.

If you find your condition does not improve or gets worse then call the doctor and get medical help.

When a dose is missed, take it the moment you remember. But if it’s time for the next dose then skip the missed dosage.

Just to make up for the missed dose, you must never take two doses at the same time.

If you overdose then stop taking the pill and get emergency medical help.

Some of the common symptoms of overdose include dizziness, headache, and drowsiness.

Indocin precautions and warnings

You need to consider a few precautions and warnings before using Indocin.

Do not take the medicine, if you are allergic to Indocin or similar drugs or other ingredients present in it.

This medication might contain some inactive ingredients that lead to the problem of allergic reactions.

If you suffer from any allergies like rashes then inform the doctor about it well in advance.

Tell the doctor about your medical history before starting your treatment like:

• Asthma
• Growths in the nose
• Liver disease
• Bleeding or clotting problems
• Heart disease
• Stomach/oesophagus/intestinal disorders
• Stroke

Also inform your doctor about all other products you use including prescription, non-prescription pills, and herbal supplements.

All this information will help the doctor to prescribe Indocin accordingly and adjust the dosage of other drugs.

Unless the doctor prescribes it, you should not take Indocin if you are pregnant.

Intake of NSAIDs during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy might cause serious kidney or heart problems in an unborn baby.

To avoid all kinds of complications at the time of your pregnancy, you must not take an Indocin tablet.

When using this medicine, it might not be safe for you to breastfeed.

Doctors often suggest that the Indocin pill is not safe for children who are below the age of 14 years.

Indocin side effects

Remember the doctor has prescribed this medication because he thinks its benefits are greater than the side effects.

You will notice that as your body adjusts to the pill, some side effects disappear.

Several people using this drug do not suffer from any serious side effects.

Some of the common side effects of Indocin include:

• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Kidney problems
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Low red blood cells

Call the doctor, if any of these side effects persist or become worse.