Indomethacin

What is this medication for?

Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and reduce inflammation (redness, swelling and soreness). It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as osteoarthritis (a condition where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time), rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the joints), gout attacks, muscle, joint pain or back pain, and menstrual pain.

How should I take or use this medication?

This medication should be taken with meals to reduce stomach irritation. 

Follow the instructions on your medication label and take this medication as prescribed by your doctor.  

Do not exceed the dose recommended on the label as taking too much Indomethacin over time may cause serious stomach, kidney or heart problems. 

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

Indomethacin can be taken on as needed basis for short term use as prescribed by the doctor. 

If your doctor has prescribed the medication for you to be taken regularly, do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is not close to the next dose. Otherwise, you should skip the dose and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this class of medications (i.e. NSAIDs), aspirin, or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have a history of stomach or bowel ulcers or bleeding, or bleeding problems.
• You have asthma.
• You have a history of kidney, liver, heart problems or stroke.
• You have, or will likely have plans for, an up-coming surgery, medical or dental procedure.

Indomethacin should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible time. Prolonged use without medical supervision should be avoided as this may increase the risk of heart attacks or stroke, kidney problems and stomach ulcers. Do not exceed the dose recommended on the label. 

If you have any question about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Stomach discomfort/irritation e.g. indigestion, stomach pain
  • Taking this medication after food reduces the risk of this side effect.
• Mild bleeding such as
  • Unexplained nose bleed.
  • Bleeding from gums when brushing teeth.
  • Bleeding from small cuts for 10-15 minutes even as you apply pressure on the wound. Check with your healthcare professional if the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes or if you feel unwell. 

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away and are bothersome to you.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 
•    Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
•    Difficulty in breathing
•    Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:
They are available in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ்: Drug Allergies

Patients taking Indomethacin may have an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding in the stomach or intestines). 
Serious bleeding may include one or more of the following: 
•    Blood in the urine
•    Black sticky stools (if you are not using iron supplements at the same time)
•    Unexplained large bruises
•    Coughing up blood or coffee ground-like vomit
•    Sudden severe headache with nausea or loss of consciousness

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Please inform your healthcare professional if you are taking the following medications as Indomethacin can interact with them:

• Blood-thinning medications (e.g. Apixaban, Clopidogrel, Warfarin)
• Diuretics or ‘water pills’ (e.g. Furosemide)
• Certain blood pressure medications (e.g., Captopril, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Candesartan, Losartan, Valsartan)
• Certain medications to treat depression (e.g. Fluoxetine, Citalopram)
• Oral corticosteroids or medications to treat inflammation (e.g. Prednisolone)

Indomethacin is a NSAID, hence avoid taking together with other NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Ketoprofen).

Avoid taking excessive amounts of alcohol when taking Indomethacin as this will increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.