Indocin

Indocin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is commonly used to treat shoulder pain and symptoms of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. The medicine is thought to work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones, which help reduce pain, inflammation, and joint swelling. Indocin comes in three forms (capsules, oral suspension, and suppositories). Common side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, and heartburn.

 

What Is Indocin?

Indocin® (indomethacin) is a prescription medicine used to treat pain, inflammation, fever, swelling, and stiffness. It is part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs for short.
 

Who Makes Indocin?

It is manufactured by Merck & Co.
 

What Is It Used For?

Indocin has been licensed for the relief of:
 
Indocin is not a cure for arthritis, nor does it slow the progression of arthritis.
 
(Click What Is Indocin Used For? for more information on these uses, along with details concerning possible off-label uses for Indocin.)
 

How Does It Work?

Indocin and other NSAIDs are thought to work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins.
 

Effects

It is believed that blocking the effects of prostaglandins is what makes Indocin useful for reducing pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of arthritis and painful conditions.
 

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include the following:
 
  • Indocin comes in capsule, oral suspension (liquid), and suppository forms. Take capsules and liquid by mouth. Insert Indocin suppositories into the rectum.
     
  • You may take the Indocin capsules with a glass of water; taking the dosage with milk or food may prevent stomach upset. 

 

  • If you're using Indocin to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, it may take several weeks before the medication begins to work to its full potential.
     
  • Be sure to take the lowest effective dose for the least amount of time in order to treat your condition. This will decrease your chances of developing serious side effects.
     
  • Take Indocin at the same time each day. This will help to maintain an even level of medicine in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider prescribes.
     

Dosing

The dose of Indocin that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Indocin Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

(The side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of Indocin. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
 
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Indocin. However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. When people do develop side effects though, in many cases they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by the patient or healthcare provider.
 
Common side effects with Indocin include:
 
  • Headache
  • Heartburn or indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Nausea, with or without vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Constipation
  • Spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Swelling.
     
Less common but serious side effects include:
 
These possible serious side effects are associated with NSAIDs in general and can lead to life-threatening complications or even loss of life.
 
(Click Indocin Side Effects to learn more about specific side effects of Indocin, including information about serious side effects that may occur.)
 

Drug Interactions With Indocin

There are a number of medications that may potentially interact with Indocin.
 
(Click Indocin Drug Interactions for more information.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using Indocin or other NSAIDs (with the exception of aspirin) may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke than those who do not take NSAIDs. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time. These events can occur without any warning and can lead to death. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have or ever had any of the following:
 
Before taking Indocin, let your healthcare provider know if you have:
 
  • Asthma
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Liver disease or liver failure
  • Kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Bleeding problems (or are taking a medicine that decreases the ability for blood to clot)
  • Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or a history of them
  • Any allergies to medicines, including aspirin or other NSAID pain medicines.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant (see Indocin and Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Drink alcohol frequently
  • Smoke
  • Are having or have recently had heart surgery.
     
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may currently be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Indocin Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Indocin.)
 

Overdose

People who take too much Indocin may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Intense headache
  • Mental confusion
  • Stomach pain
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Numbness
  • Convulsions.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 

Storage Methods

Store Indocin capsules, oral suspension, and suppositories at room temperature in a dry place. Keep the medication in an airtight container.
 
Keep Indocin and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Indocin?

If you do not take your Indocin as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
 

Strengths

Indocin is available in several strengths, including:
 
  • Indocin 25 mg capsules
  • Indocin 50 mg capsules
  • Indocin 25 mg/5 mL -- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) contains 25 mg of indomethacin
  • Indocin 50 mg suppositories.
     

Generic Indocin

A generic form of Indocin is available.
 
(Click Generic Indocin for more information.)
 
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;