Indocin is the brand name of the generic drug Indomethacin which is manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc. It is available in regular capsules of 25 and 50 mg, in sustained release capsules of 75 mg and in a suspension in both 25 mg and 50 mg. It belongs to the class of pain killers called NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
The medication is prescribed to help lessen the pain and swelling. It also helps to control fever.
Indocin/Indomethacin is used for:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Gout
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Frequent headaches
- Frozen shoulder
- General pain relief
Action
Indocin decreases the prostaglandin production in the body. Prostaglandins are responsible for the pain and fever that the body experiences when there is inflammation. This drug blocks the action of the enzymes that manufacture the prostaglandins. The result is a reduction in the inflammation, swelling and pain as well as the fever.
Side Effects
These drugs tend to reduce the blood’s clotting ability so the side effects of bruising easily and bleeding could be some of the side effects. Other side effects could be weakness, stomach ache, dizziness, headache, itching, fluid retention, acid reflux, constipation or diarrhea, drowsiness, loss of appetite and even more serious effects like elevated blood pressure, kidney problems and heart failure. Sometimes, there could be some of the less serious side effects that last for a while till the body gets adjusted to this medication. Something that is quite common is a stomach upset but anything like vision problems or loss of hearing must be reported to the doctor at once.
Caution
Be very careful to list out your complete medical history so there can be no drug interaction and so that the doctor can take care to prescribe medication that agrees with you. You could experience stomach bleeding with this medication and you could also be drowsy. If you have an aspirin allergy, do make sure your doctor knows. You should avoid alcohol when you are on this drug.
Contraindications
This medication is contraindicated if you are allergic to this drug, if you are pregnant or nursing, if you suffer from stomach ulcers or have nasal polyps. Children under two should not be given this drug, neither should the very elderly. It is contraindicated in people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease, people who suffer from bone marrow ailments and patients who suffer from epilepsy or any psychological disorders.