What is Indocin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jun 17, 2021  •  Published Jun 17, 2021

Indocin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex

Generic Names:

  • Indocin

Uses:

  • Treats arthritis and gout. This medicine is an NSAID., Treats pain. This is an NSAID.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic, Antimigraine, Antipyretic, Antirheumatic, Central Nervous System Agent, Musculoskeletal Agent

Forms:

  • Suppository, Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, Into the rectum

What form(s) does Indocin come in

  • Suppository

  • Capsule

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Liquid

What are common Indocin doses?

  • Box 30 Suppository

  • Bottle 237ML of 25MG/5ML

Common Indocin prescriptions

  • Indocin
    237ml of 25mg/5ml bottle

  • Indocin
    30 suppository box

How to take Indocin

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • It is best to take this medicine with food, milk, or antacids so it does not upset your stomach.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open, crush, break, or chew it.

  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake well before using.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

  • Rectal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.

  • Rectal routeTo make the suppository easier to insert, you may use a lubricating gel such as K-Y® Jelly, but do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®).

  • Do not take rectal suppositories by mouth or use it in the vagina.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Rectal routeLie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.

  • Rectal routeKeep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.

Indocin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to indomethacin, aspirin, or other NSAIDs. Do not use it if you have had a heart surgery (such as coronary artery bypass graft).

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to indomethacin, aspirin, or other NSAIDs. Do not use it if you have had a heart surgery (such as coronary artery bypass graft).

Indocin warnings

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Higher risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or heart failureBleeding and ulcers in your stomach or intestinesLiver damageKidney damageSerious skin reactionsVision changes

  • Ovulation may be delayed in some women while this medicine is being used. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, asthma, bleeding problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, or a history of stomach or bowel problems (including bleeding or ulcers), depression, mental illness, epilepsy, or Parkinson disease. Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bleeding problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, or a history of stomach or bowel problems (including bleeding or ulcers), depression, mental illness, epilepsy, or Parkinson disease. Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Higher risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or heart failureBleeding and ulcers in your stomach or intestinesLiver damageKidney damageSerious skin reactionsChanges in vision

  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Indocin interactions

  • Do not use any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, diflunisal, ibuprofen, naproxen, or salsalate.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how indomethacin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexed, or probenecidBlood pressure medicineBlood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat depressionSteroid medicine

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Higher risk of heart attack or strokeBleeding in your stomach or intestinesLiver problemsSerious skin reactionsChanges in vision

  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Indocin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Bloody or black, tarry stools, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds

  • Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, fainting

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Constipation, gas, stomach pain

  • Headache or drowsiness