Indocin SR

Indocin SR is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation in the body.

It works by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, which are responsible for promoting inflammation symptoms.

Doctors prescribe oral Indomethacin, available in capsules, extended-release capsules, and suspension, to treat moderate to severe pain and relieve symptoms in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (a disease affecting the spine), gout, bursitis, and tendonitis.

The doctor may prescribe Indomethacin for other conditions. Indomethacin is a NSAID that works to relieve pain and inflammation only, and it does not treat the disease that causes symptoms.

You need a prescription to have Indomethacin.

Before using Indocin SR, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Do the following before taking Indomethacin:

Tell your doctor if you have allergies to food, medications, and other substances before taking Indomethacin.

Mention if you have allergies to Indomethacin and other NSAIDS like Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin.

Tell your doctor if you have had or scheduled for major surgery. Indomethacin may reduce the ability of your blood to form clots, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

Note that Indomethacin is highly contraindicated in patients who had or will be having heart surgery.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There is evidence that Indomethacin may harm the fetus, especially when used at and beyond the 29th week of pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are nursing a baby before taking Indomethacin. Indomethacin must be used with caution for certain health conditions, so tell your doctor your condition and medical history before taking the drug.

Some of these conditions include the following:

• Diabetes
• Diseases of the heart and blood vessels
• Diseases of liver and kidneys
• Any inflammation in the mouth
• Bleeding, ulcers, perforation or inflammation in the stomach and intestines
• Fluid buildup and swelling
• Growths inside the nose (nasal polyps)
• Hypertension
• Asthma
• Parkinson’s disease
• Any disorder in the blood
• Bleeding or clotting abnormalities
• Poor health
• Low sodium, elevated potassium, and other electrolyte abnormalities

Tell your doctor if you use tobacco or alcohol before prescribing Indomethacin. Alcohol and tobacco may increase the risk of stomach bleeding caused by Indomethacin, so do not take these substances together.

You can avoid the risk of complications by not taking alcohol or using tobacco when prescribed with Indomethacin. Indomethacin can interact with several drugs, which can result in adverse effects.

Tell your doctor all the medications you take before using Indomethacin, especially the following:

• Blood thinners like Warfarin, Heparin, and Aspirin
• Corticosteroids like Prednisone and Prednisolone
• Diflunisal, other NSAIDS like Ibuprofen and Naproxen
• Antidepressants including Fluoxetine
• Potassium-sparing diuretics like Spironolactone and Triamterene
• Cyclophosphamide
• Probenecid
• Cyclosporine
• Digoxin
• Lithium
• Methotrexate
• Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Levofloxacin, and other quinolone drugs
• Certain antidiabetic drugs like Glipizide, Glibenclamide, Glyburide, Glimepiride and other sulfonylureas
• ACE inhibitor drugs such as Captopril, Trandolapril, Enalapril, Perinopril and Ramipiril
• Drugs like Losartan, Irbesartan, Propanolol and other medications used for treating heart problems and hypertension
• Water pills like Furosemide and Hydrochlorothiazide

To use Indocin SR properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

The doctor will determine your dose of Indomethacin. The medication comes with an extra information sheet called a Medication Guide.

Read and understand this guide before taking Indomethacin, and if you have questions ask them to your doctor.

Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Indomethacin. Follow the exact dose and do not take less or more than needed.

Take Indomethacin capsules, extended-release capsules and suspensions with a full glass of water. Though this may not reduce the risk of bleeding in the digestive tract, taking Indomethacin with food may reduce the intensity of stomach upset.

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose. Do not take more of the drug to make up for the missed dose.

To use Indocin SR properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose, or use it longer than instructed.

Tell all the medicines you take to your doctor when having Indomethacin. Indomethacin may not be safe when taken with other medicines, especially with NSAIDS that is often available as over-the-counter drugs.

You might experience dizziness or drowsiness after taking Indomethacin. Taking alcohol with Indomethacin can enhance its drowsy effects. Be on the safe side by not driving or operating heavy machinery after taking Indomethacin.

Indomethacin may cause or may worsen stomach ulcers and other bleeding problems in the digestive tract. Note that taking Indomethacin with food will not reduce this risk.

Taking Indomethacin with alcohol and tobacco may increase this risk. If you experience severe stomach pain, unusual weight gain or swelling, vomited material that looks like coffee grounds, or passed out black and tarry stools, call your doctor and head to the nearest hospital.

Indomethacin may cause serious and fatal skin conditions, namely and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms like peeling, redness, blistering of the skin, which may happen with or without fever. This may be accompanied by redness or irritation of the eyes, sores in the mouth, throat, nose or eyes.

Note that Indomethacin may change results of certain lab tests. Make sure to tell your doctor or lab personnel that you are taking Indomethacin.

The doctor will order lab tests while you are taking Indomethacin, like kidney function test, liver function test, complete blood count and blood pressure reading.

This helps the doctor detect early signs of adverse effects and monitor your condition. Always keep all doctor and lab appointments while taking Indomethacin.

The elderly may need closer monitoring while taking Indomethacin because they are more sensitive to stomach bleeding, kidney problems, confusion and mental changes.

Monitor for these conditions if you have an elderly relative taking Indomethacin.

If you became pregnant while on Indomethacin, call your doctor at once. Do not breastfeed while taking Indomethacin.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Indocin SR.

Call your doctor if you experience the following after taking Indomethacin tablets:

• Severe allergic reactions such as rash, hives, itching, trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face or tongue
• Pink or gross blood in the urine
• Bloody, black or tarry stools
• Changes in amount of urine
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Depression
• Fainting
• Fast and irregular heartbeat
• Fever, with or without chills
• A persistent sore throat
• Mental or mood changes
• Numbness in a limb
• One-sided weakness
• Bleeding in the rectum
• Swelling, redness, blistering and peeling of the skin
• Severe vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden or unexplained weight gain
• Swelling of the hands, legs or feet
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
• Unusual muscle or joint pain
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Bleeding in the vagina
• Speech and vision change
• Yellowing of eyes and skin

Indomethacin may cause the following minor side effects:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Gas
• Stomach upset
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Nausea