Indocin (Indomethacin) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

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Bursitis »

What is bursitis?

Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa (the plural form is bursae) is a tiny fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between tissues of the body. There are 160 bursae in the body. The major bursae are located adjacent to the tendons near the large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees.

What causes a bursa become inflamed?

A bursa can become inflamed from injury, infection (rare in the shoulder), or due to an underlying rheumatic condition. Examples of bursitis include injury as subtle as lifting a bag of groceries into the car to inflame the shoulder bursa (shoulder bursitis), infection of the bursa in front of the knee from a knee scraping on asphalt (septic prepatellar bursitis), and inflammation of the elbow bursa from gout crystals (gouty olecranon bursitis).

What are bursitis symptoms and signs?

The symptoms of bursitis ar...

Read the Bursitis article »

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Indocin (indomethacin) and Indocin, IV (indomethacin) for Injection Sterile is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, acute gouty arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. Indocin is available as a generic termed indomethacin. Common side effects of Indocin include GI symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, and feeling of bowel fullness, constipation and rectal irritation), headache, and ringing in ears.

Indocin is available in capsules in strengths of 25 and 50 mg, in suspension strength of 25 mg per 5 ml and as a suppository in strength of 50 mg per suppository. Initial doses usually start at 25 mg three times daily. Indocin IV (indomethacin) for Injection Sterile Vial contains 1 mg Indocin and is used by specialists in infants to close a patent ductus arteriosus in the heart and is not commonly prescribed. Indocin (indomethacin) ordinarily should not be prescribed for pediatric patients under 15 years old. In late pregnancy, Indocin (indomethacin and other NSAIDs) should be avoided because it may cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. Serious side effects of Indocin may include heart attack, stroke, skin changes (paleness, blisters, rash, and hives), weight gain, swelling, shortness of breath, tachycardia, unusual bleeding (including GI bleeding), jaundice, stomach pain, and pain with urination, bloody urine, blurry vision, and back pain. Patients with asthma that are aspirin-sensitive should avoid use of this drug. Indocin may reduce the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors and increase lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) levels; use with aspirin or similar agents is not recommended. Caution is advised as Indocin may react with a number of other drugs so the prescribing physician will need a list of current medications. Indocin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus and infant; it is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Indocin capsules are no longer available in the U.S.

Our Indocin and Indocin, IV (indomethacin) for Injection Sterile Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases, and conditions.

What are the possible side effects of indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking indomethacin and seek medical attention or call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;
black, bloody, or tarry stools;
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
swelling or...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Indocin »

What are the precautions when taking indomethacin (Indocin)?

Before taking indomethacin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: stomach/intestinal/esophagus problems (such as bleeding, ulcers, recurring heartburn), kidney disease, liver disease, asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), stroke, dehydration, bleeding or clotting problems, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not...

Read All Potential Precautions of Indocin »

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/11/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.