INDOMETHACIN

Drug Name: INDOMETHACIN

INDOMETHACIN DESCRIPTION:
INDOMETHACIN - ORAL CAPSULE, TABLET (in-doh-METH-uh-sin)

COMMON INDOMETHACIN BRAND NAME(S):
Indocin

INDOMETHACIN SIDE EFFECTS:
Stomach upset is the most common side effect. If this persists or becomes severe, notify your doctor. Headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, lightheadedness, dizziness, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nervousness, or drowsiness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious effects while taking INDOMETHACIN: persistent stomach pain, presence of black or bloody stools, skin rash, itching, vision changes, swelling of the hands or feet (edema). May rarely cause ringing in ears and/or loss of hearing. Infrequently, INDOMETHACIN may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE INDOMETHACIN:
INDOMETHACIN: Take with food or immediately after meals to prevent stomach upset. Take INDOMETHACIN with 6 to 8 ounces (180-240ml) of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking INDOMETHACIN. Sustained release or long acting preparations must be swallowed whole. Do not crush or chew them or the sustained activity may be destroyed and side effects increased.

INDOMETHACIN USES:
Indomethacin treats the pain, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis, gout, bursistis or tendonitis.

INDOMETHACIN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease, mental disturbances, brain diseases (such as Parkinson's disease), any allergies (especially drug allergies). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of this medication. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor. Check the ingredients of any nonprescription medication you may be taking since many cough-and-cold formulas contain aspirin. Caution is advised when INDOMETHACIN is used in the elderly. INDOMETHACIN should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Use of INDOMETHACIN during the last 6 months of pregnancy is not recommended. INDOMETHACIN is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

INDOMETHACIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), other arthritis medication, "water pills" (diuretics), lithium. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

INDOMETHACIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.

INDOMETHACIN NOTES:
In arthritis, it may take up to four weeks before the full effects of this medicine are noted. For best results, this must be taken regularly, as directed by your doctor.

MISSED INDOMETHACIN DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

INDOMETHACIN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.