How should this medicine be used?
Indomethacin comes as a regular capsule, extended-release
(long-acting) capsule, and a liquid to take by mouth and
suppositories to be used rectally. Indomethacin capsules,
liquid, and suppositories usually are taken two to four times
a day; extended-release capsules are taken one or two times a
day. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Take indomethacin exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor.
Extended-release capsules should be swallowed whole; do not
open them to mix with food or beverages.
Shake the oral liquid well before each use.
To insert a suppository into the rectum, follow these
steps:
* Remove the wrapper.
* Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
* Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your
chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and
raise the left knee.)
* Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum,
about 1/2 to 1 inch in infants and children and 1 inch in
adults. Hold it in place for a few moments.
* Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly
and resume your normal activities.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking indomethacin,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
indomethacin, aspirin or other medications for pain or
arthritis, or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin),
aspirin, atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol),
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), digoxin (Lanoxin),
diuretics ('water pills'), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate),
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), medications for arthritis or
diabetes, methotrexate, metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard),
phenylpropanolamine, phenytoin (Dilantin), probenecid (Benemid),
and vitamins.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver, heart,
or kidney disease; high blood pressure; any stomach problems;
any other gastrointestinal disease; epilepsy; Parkinson's
disease; depression; or mental illness.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking indomethacin, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell
the doctor or dentist that you are taking indomethacin.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug
affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by
this drug. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Indomethacin may cause an upset stomach. Take indomethacin
with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose
and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a
double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from indomethacin are not common,
they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are
severe or do not go away:
* headache
* dizziness
* nervousness
* upset stomach
* stomach pain or cramps
* vomiting
* diarrhea
* constipation
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call
your doctor immediately:
* bloody vomit
* bloody diarrhea or black, tarry stools
* ringing in the ears
* swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
* skin rash
* itching
