Indometacin

About indometacin

This belongs to the group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Indometacin can be used to relieve pain and inflammation in rheumatic disease, sprains, strains, backache, gout or period (menstrual) pain.

Indometacin works by preventing the production of irritant chemicals that cause pain and inflammation in the body.

Indometacin is sometimes written as indomethacin. You may notice either spelling on the package of your medicine.

Indometacin is available in tablet, capsule and suppository form.

Indometacin is also available in modified release preparations, which means indometacin is released slowly over the day to give an even effect.

It is also sometimes known as: Flexin Continus; Indocid; Indolar; Indomax; Indomod; Pardelprin; Rheumacin; Rimacid; Slo-Indo. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking indometacin

Before taking indometacin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or heart problems
• if you suffer from diabetes
• if you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus)
• if you suffer from rhinitis (constantly runny nose), asthma or breathing problems
• if you suffer from epilepsy or Parkinsonism
• if you have ever suffered from mental health problems
• if you have ever had an unusual reaction from taking aspirin or NSAIDs. Other NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac.
• if you suffer from indigestion, heartburn or any other digestive or bowel problems or have piles or irritation of the back passage.
• if you have ever suffered from a peptic (stomach) ulcer
• if you have ever had blood clotting problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take indometacin

• Use indometacin exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Swallow indometacin tablets and capsules whole, not crushed or chewed.
• Take indometacin tablets and capsules with or immediately after food.
• Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of indometacin contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• indometacin is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

ONLY READ THIS SECTION IF YOU HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED THE SUPPOSITORIES

HOW TO USE YOUR SUPPOSITORIES:

1. If the suppository is too soft, it may be chilled in the refrigerator or under cold running water before unwrapping. Remove the wrapping and moisten the suppository with water. Lie on your left side (if you are right handed and reverse if left handed); draw your knees up towards your chest, with the top leg drawn up more than the bottom leg.
2. Use your forefinger (index finger) or the middle finger, whichever you find easier, gently push the suppository into the rectum (back passage), pointed end first.
3. The suppository should be inserted as far as possible, pushing the end of the suppository sideways to ensure contact with the bowel.
4. Lower your legs to a comfortable position to help you hold the suppository in place.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside indometacin.
• indometacin may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Dizziness, light-headedness or faintness may occur when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If the problem continues or gets worse, speak with your doctor.
• If you experience indigestion after taking indometacin try taking the next dose with a glass of milk.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored.
• If treatment with indometacin continues for a long time, your doctor will examine your eyes, and do blood tests.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking indometacin.
• indometacin may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds and use a sun protection cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.

Can indometacin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, tummy pain, heartburn, diarrhoea, swelling feet or lower legs, headache, dizziness, light-headedness, nervousness or depression, drowsiness, confusion, problems sleeping, numbness in your hands or feet, tiredness, fainting, convulsions or fits, disturbance in vision, ringing or buzzing in the ears.

Important: If you experience swelling of the lips, mouth and throat; wheezing or breathing problems; yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes; a high temperature with a sore throat or if you experience black or bloody stools or blood in the urine stop taking this medicine immediately and consult your doctor or accident and emergency department of your local hospital as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying side effects which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Indometacin suppositories may cause irritation around the back passage.

How to store indometacin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 22/11/2005