Indomethacin
Indomethacin Information

About Indomethacin

Indomethacin is NSAID (non-steroidal antinfalmmatory drug). Indomethacin is usually regarded as the father figure in the family of non steroidal agents. It relieves pain, reduces inflammation and fever. it, introduced in 1963, is a methylated indole derivative. Indomethacin is slightly more toxic but in certain circumstances more effective than aspirin. Indomethacin is prepared by chemical synthesis. Indomethacin is administered orally.

Indications

Indomethacin is primarily indicated in conditions like Acute gout, Ankylosing spondylitis, Dysmenorrhoea, Gout, Musculoskeletal disorders, Osteoarthritis, Patency of ductus arteriosus, Rheumatoid arthritis, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Bone pain, Pleurisy, Rheumatic diseases.

Contraindication

Indomethacin is contraindicated in conditions like Heart failure,Hypertension,Peptic ulcer,Indigestion,Rectal bleeding.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Indomethacin, which give rise to further complications include Fluid retension, Malaise, Non-specific bloating, Overt signs of heart failure.Indomethacin produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Hyperkalemia, Thrombocytopenia, GI bleeding, Hepatitis, Leucopenia. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Indomethacin therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Indomethacin include Disorientation, Nausea, Vomiting, Convulsions, Dizziness, Headache, Lethargy, Paresthesia, Mental confusion, Numbness.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Indomethacin are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Headache, Fatigue, Nausea, Anorexia, Tinnitus, Abdominal pain, Confusion, Somnolence, Abdominal discomfort.

Warnings

Indomethacin should be used with caution in patients with intrinsic coagulation defects and those on anticoagulant therapy. It should be used with caution in patients with compromised cardiac function, hypertension other condition predisposing to fluid retention. It should be used with extra care in the presence of existing controlled infection. Perform periodic auditory (hearing) function test during chronic therapy. Discontinue drug if skin reaction occurs. IM injection should be administered cautiously to the patient receiving indomethacin. Dental work should be performed prior to initiating therapy or deferred until blood counts return to normal. Patient should be instructed on proper oral hygiene. The drug should not be prescribed in the children less than 14 years unless possible toxicity and lack of benefit from other drug justifies the risk. If indomethacine is prescribed for children they should receive the lowest possible dose and be closely monitored.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.