Indomethacin

Indomethacin is a drug used to relieve inflammation and pain. Indomethacin can be used to relieve pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), pain due to arthritis (arthritis ) , and pain in gout .

Indomethacin belongs to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This drug works by inhibiting enzymes that produce prostaglandins, which are substances that cause inflammation. Apart from relieving pain, indomethacin can also be used in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus , which is a type of congenital heart disease.

Indomethacin trademark: Dialon

What is Indomethacin

Warning Before Using Indomethacin

Indomethacin should not be used without a doctor's prescription. Before using this drug, there are a number of things you need to pay attention to:

• Do not use this drug if you are allergic to indomethacin or other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
• Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery while on indomethacin, because this drug can make you dizzy.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while you are being treated with indomethacin, because it can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Indomethacin can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Avoid doing activities that expose you to direct sunlight while undergoing treatment with this drug.
• Do not use indomethacin in patients undergoing CABG surgery .
• Tell us if you have asthma , liver disease, heart disease, diabetes hypertension , ulcers , acid reflux disease, peptic ulcers , stroke, blood clotting disorder, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease, or mental disorder .
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, vitamin supplements, or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are going to have any surgical procedures including dental surgery.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.
• If a drug allergic reaction or overdose occurs after using indomethacin, see a doctor immediately.

Dosage and Rules for Using Indomethacin

The dose of indomethacin given by the doctor is based on age and the condition being treated. The following is an explanation of the dosage and rules for using indomethacin:          

Purpose: Relieve pain due to muscle and joint disorders

Preparations: Oral medicine (capsules)

• Adult: 25 mg, 2–3 times daily. Dosage may be increased to 150–200 mg per day

Preparations: Medicated suppositories

• Adult: 100 mg once daily in the anus at night. If needed, the dose can be repeated in the morning

Purpose: Treat menstrual pain ( dysmenorrhea )

Preparations: Oral medicine

• Adult: 75 mg per day

Purpose: Relieve pain in gout (gout)

Preparations: Oral medicine

Adult: 150–200 mg per day in divided doses

Purpose: Prevent pupillary constriction (miosis) during eye surgery

Preparation: Eye drops

• Adult: 4 drops, 1 day before surgery and 3 hours before surgery

Purpose: Prevent pain after eye surgery ( photorefractive keracetomy )

Preparation: Eye drops

• Adult: 1 drop 4 times daily, for several days

In addition, indomethacin can also be used in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus , which is a type of congenital heart disease . For this condition, indomethacin will be given in injection form. The dosage and duration of treatment will be given by the doctor according to the age and condition of the patient.

How to use Indomethacin correctly

Use indomethacin according to doctor's advice and read the information on the packaging. Indomethacin in capsule form should be swallowed whole during or after meals to prevent side effects, such as digestive disorders.

The duration of using indomethacin will be determined by the doctor, according to the patient's condition. This drug can be used in the short term or long term .

Take indomethacin at the same time every day to make it more effective. If you forget to take indomethacin, it is recommended to do it as soon as you remember, if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Indomethacin in the form of an injection will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

Indomethacin in suppository form needs to be dipped in water before use. Do not have a bowel movement for at least 1 hour after you insert the suppository into the anus.

If using your right hand to insert the suppository into the anus, lie down to the left. Hold the drug in the anus for a few moments. Wait up to 15 minutes before you return to your activities.

Store indomethacin in its packaging at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Indomethacin Interaction with Other Drugs

Indomethacin can cause drug interactions when used with other drugs, including:

• Increased levels of methotrexate or probenecid in the blood
• Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when used with anticoagulant drugs , such as warfarin
• Increased risk of kidney damage due to opposing effects when used with ACE inhibitor drugs , such as captopril, enapril, or lisinopril.
• Increased risk of developing hyperkalemia when used with vitamin K supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics
• Decreased effectiveness of furosemide , hydralazine, thiazide-type diuretics, and beta-blockers, such as atenolol, propranolol, and oxyprenolol
• Increased risk of haloperidol side effects

Indomethacin Side Effects and Dangers

There are several side effects that may occur after consuming or using indomethacin. Side effects that can occur include:

• Stomach ache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gastrointestinal disease
• dyspepsia
• Headache or dizziness
• Very sleepy

Call your doctor if the above symptoms get worse to the point of interfering with your activities. See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:

• Neck feels stiff for no reason
• Change in the amount of urine or dark urine
• Loss of appetite
• Bloody or black bowel movements
• Yellowish skin and eyes ( jaundice )

In addition, be aware of the symptoms of an overdose that can occur due to the use of indomethacin in excessive doses, such as:

• Confusion
• Very intense headache
• Very sleepy or very lethargic