Indocin IV (Indomethacin Inj) Drug Center: Guide to Drug Information for Professionals, Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Indocin IV

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs) »

What are NSAIDs and how do they work?

As the class name suggests, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation but are not related to steroids which also reduce inflammation. NSAIDs work by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. They also protect the lining of the stomach and intestines from the damaging effects of acid, and promote blood clotting by activating blood platelets. Prostaglandins also affect kidney function.

The enzymes that produce prostaglandins are called cyclooxygenase (COX). There are two types of COX enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. Both enzymes produce prostaglandins that promote inflammation, pain, and fever; however, only COX-1 produces prostaglandins that activate platelets and protect the stomach and intestinal lining.

NSAIDs block COX enzymes and reduce production of prostaglandins. Therefore, inflammation, pain, and f...

Read the NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs) article »

Indocin IV

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Indocin IV Drug Center

Medical Editor: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Prescribing Information

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.

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 is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Indocin IV Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

Indocin®I.V.
(indomethacin) Structural Formula Illustration

INDOCIN I.V. is indicated to close a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants weighing between 500 and 1750 g when after 48 hours usual medical management (e.g., fluid restriction, diuretics, digitalis, respiratory support, etc.) is ineffective. Clear-cut clinical evidence of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus should be present, such as respiratory distress, a continuous murmur, a hyperactive precordium, cardiomegaly and pulmonary plethora on chest x-ray.

Read the complete drug monograph for Indocin IV »