Indomethacin: what it is for and how to take it

Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, tendinitis, menstrual cramps or post-surgical pain, for example, as it works by reducing the production of substances in the body responsible for causing inflammation and pain.

This medicine can be found in pharmacies or drugstores in the form of capsules, in doses of 25 mg and 50 mg, under the trade name Indocid, and must be used under medical advice.

Indomethacin can be used by adults or children over 2 years of age, and must be used in doses and for the duration of treatment advised by the doctor.

What is it for

Indomethacin is indicated for the treatment of:

• Rheumatoid arthritis;
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis;
• Osteoarthritis;
• Degenerative hip arthropathy;
• Ankylosing spondylitis;
• Acute gouty arthritis;
• Bursitis;
• Tendinitis;
• Synovitis;
• Capsulitis, shoulder sprains or strains;
• Back pain at the end of the spine;
• Post-dental or orthopedic surgery;
• Menstrual cramps;
• Fever.

Furthermore, this remedy can also be used to treat pain, inflammation and swelling caused by bone fractures or dislocations.

How to use

The indomethacin tablet should be taken orally, with a glass of water or milk, preferably after a meal, and its effect begins approximately 30 minutes after the dose.

The recommended dose of indomethacin for adults ranges from 50 mg to 200 mg per day, which can be administered in a single or divided dose every 12, 8 or 6 hours, and the treatment time must be guided by the doctor.

For the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children over 2 years of age, the dose varies according to the child’s weight, with an initial dose of 2 mg per kg of body weight being recommended, taken 2 to 3 times a day. This dose can be increased to a maximum of 4 mg per kg of body weight per day, according to medical advice.

If the person forgets to take the dose at the right time, they should take it as soon as they remember, but if it is close to the time for the next dose, they should skip the forgotten dose and wait for the next time to take it. Under no circumstances should you double the dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Possible side effects

Some of the most common side effects that may occur during treatment with indomethacin are headache, nausea, vomiting, poor digestion, dizziness, dizziness, excessive tiredness, depression, lightheadedness, lack of concentration, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea.

Indomethacin can cause serious allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. Therefore, you should stop treatment and seek the nearest emergency room if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face, intense itching, formation of blisters or peeling skin, pain or burning in the eyes. Know how to identify the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Immediate medical attention should also be sought if the person experiences symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain that spreads to the face or shoulder, sudden numbness or tingling on one side of the body, slurred speech or difficulty speaking, or a feeling of shortness of breathe.

Who shouldn’t use

Indomethacin should not be used by children under 2 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with an active peptic ulcer or those who have previously suffered from an ulcer.

Furthermore, indomethacin should not be used by people with heart, liver, kidney problems, infections, diabetes with kidney impairment, high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease or who have blood clotting problems, as it may increase the risk of bleeding or hemorrhages.

This remedy should also not be used by people who are allergic to indomethacin or the components of the formula, or who suffer from acute asthma attacks, hives or rhinitis caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen, for example.