Indomethacin (rectal route) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for treating mild to moderate pain and treat swelling, stiffness and inflammation in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
Indomethacin is also useful in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, of the arthritis of the spinal column. Doctors often prescribe Indomethacin to patients with painful shoulder caused by bursitis or tendinitis.
Indomethacin is packaged in a suppository form that you can administer at home.
The doctor will consider the following before prescribing Indomethacin:
Tell the doctor if you have allergies to Indomethacin. Also, tell if you have allergies to food, other drugs, and animal substances before using Indomethacin.
Tell your doctor if you have other health problems. Indomethacin must be used with caution in patients with asthma, gastrointestinal problems (ulcers, bleeding or perforation in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines), heart disease (especially heart attack), kidneys disease and individuals who recently underwent heart surgery. If you have these conditions, the doctor may have to look for other alternatives.
Tell your doctor if you have conditions such as depression, epilepsy, and Parkinsonism. Indomethacin may worsen these conditions.
Tell the doctor all the medications you take before using Indomethacin. Indomethacin interacts with many medicines. You cannot use Indomethacin if you are taking Ketorolac. If you experience sensitivities with aspirin, there is a chance of having sensitivities to Indomethacin as well.
Here are other medicines that can interact with Indomethacin:
Here are other medicines that interact with Indomethacin. However, these medications are important in treating certain diseases. The doctor may have to adjust doses or schedule intake if both medications are prescribed together:
Alcohol and tobacco may increase the risk of bleeding in the digestive tract caused by taking Indomethacin. Minimize or stop drinking alcohol and smoking if you are prescribed with Indomethacin. Ask your doctor for help if you face difficulties in quitting.
Indomethacin may not be safe for pregnant women, so before taking it tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant soon. Indomethacin may cause harm to unborn babies, especially in later stages of pregnancy.
Indomethacin suppositories must be given with extreme caution to children and patients below 21 years of age.
3 Proper Usage
The doctor will determine your dose based on your condition. Follow the prescribed dose and do not take more or less than prescribed. Do not skip doses to reduce risks of flaring up of symptoms.
The doctor or nurse will teach you how to administer rectal suppositories. Generally, you have to empty the bowels first. Unwrap the package to expose the suppository. Lie on your left side and slightly bend the right knee. Insert the suppository gently but firmly into the rectum pointed end first. Then, lie for a while for 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure to wash your hands before and after administration of the suppository.
You can moisten the suppository with lukewarm water. Do not use baby oil or petroleum jelly. If the suppository becomes too soft, put it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and stick to scheduled dose. Do not take more of the medication to make up for the skipped dose.
Store the Indomethacin suppositories at room temperature away from heat, light and moisture. Do not freeze.
4 Precautions to Take
Taking Indomethacin may increase your risk of having a sudden heart attack or stroke, especially if you already have a history of heart disease. If you experienced symptoms such as chest pain or tightness, fast or irregular heart rate, unusual flushing or warmth and slurring speech, call your doctor right away and head to the nearest hospital.
Indomethacin may cause bleeding in the esophagus, stomach and intestines, which often does not cause any symptoms. The risk of bleeding in the digestive tract is higher if you use steroids and blood thinners such as warfarin.
Indomethacin may cause serious side effects on the skin. Call your doctor immediately if you have redness, peeling and blistering of the skin, formation of ulcers, sores or white spots in the mouth or lips, chills, cough, fever, and itching.
Watch out for signs and symptoms of internal bleeding including unexplained bruising, black tarry stools, severe abdominal pain, vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds. If those symptoms occur, call your doctor immediately.
Although rare, Indomethacin may cause severe allergic reactions especially if you are sensitive to other NSAIDs and aspirin. If you experienced swelling of the face, tongue and lips, wheezing, and very fast heart rate while on Indomethacin, call your doctor immediately and head to the nearest hospital.
Indomethacin may cause changes in vision. If you experienced blurring of vision and reading difficulties, visit an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for a checkup of your eyes.
Do not take any other medicine while using Indomethacin, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins, without asking your doctor first.
The doctor will schedule regular clinic appointments during Indomethacin treatment. This will help the doctor know if the medication is working and to check for early signs and symptoms of overdose.
If you will receive care from other doctors, or having lab tests, tell them that you are taking Indomethacin.
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