INMECIN 25

# Indomethacin 25 mg ## Short Description **Indomethacin 25 mg** is a prescription **nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)** used to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. It is commonly prescribed for inflammatory joint conditions such as **rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and acute gouty arthritis**. Indomethacin works by reducing the production of **prostaglandins**, substances involved in pain, inflammation and fever. > **Important:** Indomethacin can cause serious gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and kidney-related side effects. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration under medical supervision. --- ## Key Benefits * Helps relieve **pain and inflammation**. * Reduces **joint swelling and stiffness**. * May provide relief during **acute gout attacks**. * Can help manage pain associated with inflammatory arthritis. * May improve mobility when joint inflammation causes stiffness and discomfort. * Provides both **analgesic and anti-inflammatory** effects. --- ## Uses / Indications Indomethacin 25 mg may be prescribed for: * **Rheumatoid arthritis** * **Osteoarthritis** * **Ankylosing spondylitis** * **Acute gouty arthritis** * Acute painful inflammatory conditions of joints and surrounding tissues * Other musculoskeletal inflammatory conditions when specifically prescribed Indomethacin is generally used for **symptom control** and does not cure the underlying cause of chronic inflammatory arthritis. --- ## How It Works Indomethacin is an NSAID that inhibits the enzymes **cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)**. These enzymes are involved in the production of **prostaglandins**, which contribute to pain, inflammation and swelling. ### In simple terms: **Indomethacin → blocks COX enzymes → decreases prostaglandin production → reduces pain, swelling and inflammation.** Because prostaglandins also help protect the stomach lining and support kidney blood flow, reducing them can contribute to some of indomethacin's adverse effects. --- ## Dosage & Administration ### Adults The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated and the patient's response. For many inflammatory conditions, an initial regimen may be: **25 mg two or three times daily**, with the dose adjusted by the healthcare professional according to clinical response and tolerability. For **acute gout**, higher short-term dosing may sometimes be prescribed, but this should be determined by a doctor. ### Administration * Take exactly as prescribed. * Take with **food or immediately after food** if advised, particularly if it causes stomach upset. * Swallow capsules/tablets with sufficient water. * Use the **lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration**. * Do not exceed the prescribed daily dose. * Avoid taking multiple NSAIDs at the same time unless specifically instructed. ### Missed Dose Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. **Do not double the next dose** to compensate. --- ## Side Effects ### Common Side Effects Possible side effects include: * Nausea * Vomiting * Indigestion * Stomach pain or discomfort * Heartburn * Diarrhea or constipation * Headache * Dizziness * Drowsiness * Fatigue ### Serious Side Effects Seek immediate medical attention for: * **Black or bloody stools** * Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds * Severe or persistent stomach pain * Chest pain * Shortness of breath * Sudden weakness or numbness * Severe allergic reaction * Significant swelling of the face, lips or throat * Very little or no urine * Yellowing of the skin or eyes * Severe skin rash or blistering Long-term or high-dose NSAID use can increase the risk of **gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular events and kidney injury**. --- ## Precautions & Warnings ### Gastrointestinal Risk Indomethacin can cause stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding and, rarely, perforation. Risk is higher in: * Older adults * Patients with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding * People taking corticosteroids * People taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines * Patients using other NSAIDs ### Cardiovascular Risk NSAIDs, including indomethacin, may increase the risk of **heart attack or stroke**, particularly with higher doses or prolonged use. Use cautiously in patients with: * Heart disease * High blood pressure * Previous heart attack or stroke * Heart failure ### Kidney Problems Indomethacin can reduce kidney blood flow and may cause kidney injury, particularly in people with: * Kidney disease * Dehydration * Heart failure * Older age * Certain diuretic or blood-pressure medicines ### Liver Problems Rarely, indomethacin may affect liver function. Medical monitoring may be appropriate during prolonged treatment. ### Pregnancy **Indomethacin should generally be avoided from around 20 weeks of pregnancy onward unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional, and NSAIDs should not be used at 30 weeks of pregnancy or later because of fetal risks.** Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. ### Elderly Patients Older adults may have a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney problems and cardiovascular complications. --- ## Drug Interactions Indomethacin can interact with numerous medicines. ### Anticoagulants * **Warfarin** * Other anticoagulants These combinations can substantially increase bleeding risk. ### Antiplatelet Medicines * Aspirin * Clopidogrel May increase gastrointestinal and other bleeding risks. ### Other NSAIDs Examples include: * Ibuprofen * Naproxen * Diclofenac * Ketorolac Taking multiple NSAIDs together generally increases the risk of adverse effects without providing proportional benefit. ### Corticosteroids Medicines such as prednisolone can increase the risk of gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding. ### ACE Inhibitors / ARBs Examples include: * Enalapril * Lisinopril * Telmisartan * Losartan NSAIDs may reduce their blood-pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney problems. ### Diuretics Examples include: * Furosemide * Hydrochlorothiazide * Spironolactone NSAIDs can reduce diuretic effectiveness and may contribute to kidney problems or electrolyte abnormalities. ### Lithium Indomethacin can increase lithium concentrations and potentially cause **lithium toxicity**. ### Methotrexate NSAIDs may increase methotrexate exposure and toxicity in some circumstances. ### Digoxin Indomethacin may increase digoxin concentrations. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, OTC products, vitamins and herbal supplements you use. --- ## Storage Information * Store at **room temperature** according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep the medicine in its original packaging. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight. * Keep out of reach of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets/capsules if the packaging is damaged or the medicine has visibly deteriorated. --- ## Prescription Status **Indomethacin 25 mg is generally a prescription medicine.** Because it can cause serious gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and kidney-related adverse effects, it should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. --- ## Genuine Medicine Assurance When purchasing **Indomethacin 25 mg**: * Purchase from a **licensed and reputable pharmacy**. * Check that the packaging is sealed and undamaged. * Verify the medicine name, strength and dosage form. * Check the manufacturer's name, batch/lot number and expiry date. * Do not use tablets/capsules from damaged or suspicious packaging. * Avoid purchasing prescription medicines from unauthorized online sellers. * Store the medicine according to the manufacturer's instructions. * If you suspect a counterfeit product, contact the manufacturer, licensed pharmacy or relevant medicines regulatory authority. --- # Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### 1. What is Indomethacin 25 mg used for? Indomethacin 25 mg is an NSAID used to relieve **pain and inflammation**, particularly in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and acute gout. ### 2. Is Indomethacin a painkiller? Yes. Indomethacin is an **NSAID pain reliever with strong anti-inflammatory activity**. ### 3. Is Indomethacin used for gout? Yes. Indomethacin may be prescribed for **acute gout attacks** to reduce pain and inflammation. ### 4. How does Indomethacin work? It blocks COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing the production of prostaglandins that contribute to **pain, swelling and inflammation**. ### 5. How should I take Indomethacin 25 mg? Take it exactly as prescribed. It is often taken **with food or after food** to reduce stomach discomfort. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. ### 6. Can I take Indomethacin 25 mg every day? It can be prescribed for regular use in certain inflammatory conditions, but long-term use requires careful medical supervision because of potential **stomach, kidney and cardiovascular risks**. ### 7. Can I take ibuprofen with Indomethacin? Generally, **do not combine indomethacin with ibuprofen or other NSAIDs** unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional. Combining NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and kidney problems. ### 8. Can I take aspirin with Indomethacin? Aspirin can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when combined with indomethacin. If you take low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular protection, **do not stop it or add indomethacin without discussing it with your doctor**. ### 9. Can Indomethacin cause stomach ulcers? Yes. Indomethacin can cause **stomach or intestinal ulcers and bleeding**, particularly with higher doses, prolonged use or in people with risk factors. ### 10. Can I drink alcohol while taking Indomethacin? Alcohol can increase the risk of stomach irritation and gastrointestinal bleeding. Avoid excessive alcohol and discuss regular alcohol consumption with your healthcare professional. ### 11. Can Indomethacin affect the kidneys? Yes. Indomethacin can reduce kidney blood flow and cause kidney problems, especially in people with kidney disease, dehydration, heart failure or those taking certain blood-pressure medicines or diuretics. ### 12. Can Indomethacin increase blood pressure? Yes. NSAIDs can cause **fluid retention and increased blood pressure** in some patients and may reduce the effectiveness of certain antihypertensive medicines. ### 13. Can Indomethacin be taken during pregnancy? Indomethacin and other NSAIDs have important pregnancy-related restrictions. They should generally be avoided from around **20 weeks of pregnancy onward unless specifically advised**, and NSAIDs should not be used at **30 weeks or later** because of fetal risks. ### 14. Can Indomethacin be used for headaches? Although indomethacin can relieve certain types of headache, it is not appropriate for every headache. Some specific headache disorders respond particularly well to indomethacin, but its use should be medically directed. ### 15. What are the common side effects of Indomethacin 25 mg? Common side effects include **stomach upset, nausea, indigestion, headache, dizziness and diarrhea or constipation**. ### 16. What are the warning signs of gastrointestinal bleeding? Seek urgent medical attention for **black/tarry stools, blood in the stool, vomiting blood, coffee-ground-like vomit or severe persistent abdominal pain**. ### 17. Can I take Indomethacin with Warfarin? The combination can significantly increase the risk of **serious bleeding**. Do not take them together unless specifically prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. ### 18. What should I do if I miss an Indomethacin dose? Take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. **Do not take two doses together** to make up for a missed dose. ### 19. Does Indomethacin cure arthritis? No. Indomethacin **relieves pain and inflammation**, but it does not cure the underlying cause of chronic arthritis. ### 20. Is Indomethacin 25 mg available without a prescription? Indomethacin is generally a **prescription medicine**, although dispensing requirements vary by country. --- ## Medical Disclaimer This information about **Indomethacin 25 mg** is provided for educational and general informational purposes only. It is **not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment**. Indomethacin is a potent NSAID that can cause serious **gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiovascular complications and kidney injury**, particularly at higher doses or with prolonged use. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate duration under medical supervision. Always follow your doctor's prescription and the manufacturer's product information. Seek urgent medical attention for severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions or other serious symptoms.