Indomethacin
Drug Name(s): Indocin, generic
Class: NSAIDs
Used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) including acute flares of chronic disease, moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis (AS), moderate to severe osteoarthritis (OA), acute painful shoulder (bursitis and/or tendinitis), and acute gouty arthritis.
Dosage
Form(s): capsule, syrup, suppository
50 to 200 mg per day in two to four doses.
Special Instructions
Do not take with other prescription or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Take at the same time every day. Take with food or an antacid.
Potential Side Effects
Abdominal cramps, pain or discomfort; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gastrointestinal bleeding; headache; heartburn; high blood pressure; nausea or vomiting; peptic ulcer; swelling of feet; rash; ringing in the ears
Be Aware
- Before taking any type of NSAID, tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or take blood thinners (including warfarin), ACE inhibitors, lithium or furosemide. Also report any sensitivity or allergy to aspirin or similar drugs.
- All non-aspirin NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious blood clots, heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk increases with dose and duration of use. Patients who have or who are at risk for cardiovascular disease are at greater risk for these complications.
- NSAIDs increase the risk of serious gastroinestinal side effects, including bleeding, ulceration, and gastric or intestinal perforation, which can be fatal.
- Do not take NSAIDs late in pregnancy.
