What Is Indocin Used For?

Some people may wonder, "What is Indocin used for?" Indocin is a medication used to treat the symptoms of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis. Because it helps alleviate pain, inflammation, and joint swelling, Indocin is also used to treat shoulder pain. "Off-label" uses of Indocin include the treatment of symptoms associated with symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia, and other conditions.

 

What Is Indocin Used For?

Indocin® (indomethacin) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat several conditions that cause pain, fever, inflammation, swelling, or stiffness.
 
These specific Indocin uses include the relief of:
 
Indocin is not a cure for the types of arthritis mentioned above, nor does it slow the progression of arthritis.
 

How Does Indocin Work?

Indocin and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are thought to work by inhibiting the action of certain hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. These hormones are called prostaglandins. Indocin's effectiveness in alleviating pain, inflammation, and joint swelling associated with different forms of arthritis is thought to result from blocking the effects of prostaglandins.
 

Is Indocin Used for Children?

Healthcare providers do not generally recommend Indocin for children under the age of 14.
 
(What Is Indocin Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;