Indomethacin Belongs to group of medicine referred to as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).The federal agency first approved it in january 1965.
Indomethacin Uses
- It is effective in the treatment of gout and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Effective in the pain of pleurisy and pericarditis.
- By intravenous admnisttration, it’s Effective in the patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants.Thus causes the closure of the ductus that’s kept open by prostaglandins.
- It also can be employed in the prevention of uterine contractions in the premature labour, by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandins. it’s harmful for both mother and foetus
Pharmacokinetics:
It is a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase enzyme. once given orally,it is well absorbed from the GIT,metabolized in the liver and excreted in bile and urine.
Indomethacin Mechanism Of Action:
It works by reducing the production of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that the body produces and that cause the fever and pain that are related to inflammation. indomethacin blocks the enzymes that build prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase 1 and 2) and thereby reduces the degree of prostaglandins. As a result, fever, pain and inflammation are reduced.
Indomethacin side Effects
- Headache, mental confusion, depression and in sever cases mental illness could occur.
- Gastrointestinal irritation,Diarrhea, bleeding, abdominal pain, and pancreatitis may occur.
- Hypersensitivity reaction like skin rashes,
- Hypokalemia
- Rarely thrombocytopenia and aplastic anemia could occur.
Contraindication:
Indomethacin is contraindicated in patient with a history of hypersensitivity to other NSAIDs. it’s also contraindicated in patients with active gastrointestinal bleeding.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or health care provider your medical record, particularly of asthma (including a history of worsening breathing after taking aspirin alternative NSAIDs), bleeding or clotting issues, growths in the nose (nasal polyps), heart disease (such as previous heart attack), high blood pressure,liver disease, stomach/intestinal/esophagusproblems (such as bleeding, ulcers, recurring heartburn), stroke.
Dosage Information:
- The suggested adult dose of standard release indomethacin for treating inflammation or rheumatoid disorders is 50-200 mg per day split into 2-3 doses.
- The dose for extended release indomethacin is 75-150 mg divided into 2 daily doses.
- Bursitis or tendonitis are treated with a complete dose of 75-150 mg daily of standard release indomethacin divided into three or four doses or 75-150 mg daily of extended release divided into 2 doses.
- Acute gouty arthritis is treated with 50 mg each eight hours for three to five days.
It should to be taken with food and 8-12 ounces of water so as to cut back abdominal discomfort.
