What is Indomethacin Sodium
IndomethacinThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryIndometacin is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. It works by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) which is involved in the production of prostaglandins. It was first approved by the FDA in 1965 and is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, acute shoulder pain, and acute gouty arthritis. It is available in oral capsules, rectal, and intravenous forms. It can also be used to close a hem
Indomethacinis the brand name
Indomethacin Sodium Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Indomethacin
Indomethacin
1984
241
Effectiveness
How Indomethacin Sodium Affects PatientsIndometacin is a type of NSAID used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation. It works by blocking substances that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. Studies have shown indometacin to be effective in reducing joint swelling, reducing pain and improving mobility. However, taking indometacin can lead to serious side effects such as heart attack, stroke and gastrointestinal problems like bleeding and ulcers. In healthy people, indometacin can reduce blood flow to the brain and potentially inhibit neural activity.
How Indomethacin Sodium works in the bodyIndometacin inhibits an enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. It works by blocking the enzyme's active site and preventing it from converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation. Indometacin also stops an enzyme called phospholipase A2 from releasing arachidonic acid. It is more selective in blocking cyclo-oxygenase-1, which is responsible for gastric mucosal protection, platelet, and kidney function, compared to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In addition to its anti
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Indomethacin Sodium is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Aquaporin 2, Arthritis, Gouty and Moderate to grave ankylosing spondylitis. The measure of dosage is contingent on the mode of administration (e.g. Capsule or Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution) as detailed in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Joint Pain
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Pain
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Body weight between 500 and 1750 g
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
inadequate response to conventional therapy
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Rheumatoid Arthritis
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Muscle Pain
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Bursitis
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Tendinitis
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Aquaporin 2
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Arthritis, Gouty
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Degenerative polyarthritis
, 1.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 1.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 10.0 mg/mL, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL
Capsule, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution, , Suppository - Rectal, Injection, powder, for solution - Intravenous, Capsule - Oral, Rectal, Liquid; Powder, for solution - Ophthalmic, Intravenous, Suspension - Oral, Suppository, Ophthalmic, Injection, powder, for solution, Oral, Solution / drops, Capsule, extended release, Suspension, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution - Intravenous, Liquid; Powder, for solution, Solution / drops - Ophthalmic
Warnings
Indomethacin Sodium has twenty-three contraindications and must not be combined with any of the conditions displayed in the table below.Indomethacin Sodium ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Intracranial Hemorrhage
Do Not Combine
aspirin
Do Not Combine
Hematochezia
Do Not Combine
suspected necrotizing enterocolitis
Do Not Combine
Urticaria caused by NSAIDs
Do Not Combine
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Do Not Combine
history of proctitis
Do Not Combine
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
Do Not Combine
NSAID-Induced Asthma
Do Not Combine
Coarctation of the Aorta
Do Not Combine
necessary patency of the ductus arteriosus
Do Not Combine
Pulmonary Atresia
Do Not Combine
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Do Not Combine
proven or suspected untreated infection
Do Not Combine
Low Platelet Count
Do Not Combine
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
Do Not Combine
Coagulation Disorder
Do Not Combine
Aspirin Exacerbated Asthma
Do Not Combine
Hemorrhage
Do Not Combine
Toxoplasma Infections
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Indomethacin may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Indomethacin may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Indomethacin may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Indomethacin Sodium Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
2-Methoxyethanol
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Indomethacin is combined with 2-Methoxyethanol.
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Indomethacin is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Abetimus
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Indomethacin is combined with Abetimus.
Acteoside
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Indomethacin is combined with Acteoside.
Altretamine
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Indomethacin is combined with Altretamine.
Indomethacin Sodium Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe highest toxic dose of indomethacin in rats has been found to be 2.42mg/kg, and 13mg/kg in mice. Signs of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, reduced alertness, tingling sensations, and seizures. If an overdose occurs, the patient should be given treatment to help empty the stomach and carefully monitored for any signs of ulcers or bleeding. Taking antacids may also help.
Indomethacin Sodium Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Indomethacin Sodium?
24 active clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the potential of Indomethacin Sodium in reducing symptoms of Joint Pain, Degenerative polyarthritis and Muscle Pain.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Joint Pain
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3
Rheumatoid Arthritis
0 Actively Recruiting
Body weight between 500 and 1750 g
0 Actively Recruiting
Arthritis, Gouty
0 Actively Recruiting
Moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis
0 Actively Recruiting
Degenerative polyarthritis
0 Actively Recruiting
Muscle Pain
12 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1
Aquaporin 2
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3
Tendinitis
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Bursitis
10 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Pain
0 Actively Recruiting
inadequate response to conventional therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Indomethacin Sodium Reviews: What are patients saying about Indomethacin Sodium?
5Patient Review
5/25/2018 This is an extremely effective treatment that will start providing relief within 4-6 hours. I was completely pain free within 24 hours.
5Patient Review
11/29/2020 I've been taking this for 10 years and have found that the best way to avoid prolonged pill-taking is to take two 50mg pills at the first sign of gout. I rarely have to take more than this. The key here is catching it early.
5Patient Review
3/15/2021 Worked to take dramatically reduce severe gout pain within 2 hours of taking. Even though it upset my stomach, the pain reduction was worth it.
5Patient Review
5/29/2022 I've been using this for a couple of years now and it's helped me immensely. The first time I used it, I was able to stand on my foot with full weight after just two days. My doctor prescribed it for that episode only, but when I explained that I wanted something stronger than over-the-counter options (which didn't help me at all), they prescribe it for daily use. Now, I only use it as needed when the first signs of pain appear. Thanks to this medication, my pain level has been steady at an 8 or 9 (out of 10) instead of constantly fluctuating.
5Patient Review
8/10/2021 I took this medication when I first noticed the symptoms of a gout flareup and it provided relief within one to two hours. This was my first experience with gout, and I found this treatment to be very effective. Additionally, I've also noticed that my chronic lower back pain has subsided since taking this medication. It's possible that this is just a coincidence, but I'll know for sure in the coming weeks as I only plan to take this medication when my gout is acting up.
5Patient Review
3/19/2020 This was the first medication that actually alleviated my gout pain. I felt complete relief within two hours and would highly recommend it to others. Just be careful when you take them as they can make you drowsy.
5Patient Review
8/10/2021 I took this medication when I first noticed the signs of a gout flareup and felt relief within one to two hours. This was my first experience with gout, and I found this treatment really helpful. Additionally, I've also been struggling with chronic lower back pain for awhile now. After taking this medication, that pain has subsided too. It's possible that this is just a coincidence, but I'll continue taking this medication whenever my gout acts up and see how it goes in the coming weeks.
5Patient Review
5/25/2018 I found this treatment to be extremely effective. Within a few hours, I started feeling relief and by the next day, the pain was gone completely.
5Patient Review
5/29/2022 I've been using this for a couple of years now. The first time after 2 days I was able to stand with my ful weight on my foot. Doctor prescribed it for that episode only. Then when I explained I just wanted something stronger than over the counter which didn't help me at all. I was prescribed for daily use for RA pain. I now only use it as needed first sign of pain. My pain level now has been at a steady I can deal with it no more 8 or 9 levels as long as I take it at first signs of a flare up.
5Patient Review
11/29/2020 I've been using this treatment for 10 years now, and I can say from experience that the best way to avoid having to take these pills for prolonged periods of time is to take two 50mg pills at the first sign of gout. In my opinion, this is the key to success with this medication.
5Patient Review
3/15/2021 Worked to take dramatically reduce severe gout pain within 2 hours of taking. Upset my stomach even with food but this was much better than the pain.
5Patient Review
3/19/2020 I was feeling complete relief from my gout pain within two hours of taking this medication, which is unprecedented for me. Be careful when you take them though, as they can make you drowsy.
4.7Patient Review
11/19/2019 I was in a lot of pain from gout when I first took this medication, but felt significant relief within two to three hours. Be aware that you may feel dizzy and sweaty for the first few hours after taking it; I would recommend not doing anything too strenuous during that time period.
4.7Patient Review
11/19/2019 I experienced significant relief from my severe gout pain within a few hours of taking just one 50mg capsule. However, I also felt dizzy and sweaty for the first couple of hours afterwards. So if you do take this medication, plan on resting for a while afterwards.
4.3Patient Review
1/31/2019 It can take up to eight hours for this treatment to work, which is admittedly a long time. However, it's been effective for me in reducing pain caused by inflammation. A small price to pay for the eventual relief, in my opinion.
4.3Patient Review
1/31/2019 It can take up to eight hours for this medication to provide relief, so it's not a quick fix by any means. Additionally, I find that chilling the affected area helps until the medication kicks in. It doesn't have an effect on leukocytes already in the bloodstream, but it does help with the pain caused by inflammation. The only downside is that it makes me dizzy for a short time, but that's a small price to pay for eventual relief.
4Patient Review
5/15/2019 I didn't have great results when I took this medication without food, but it made a world of difference when I took it with a meal. I'm now able to work my new job without pain for six to eight hours straight.
4Patient Review
3/17/2021 Gout can be incredibly painful, and this is one of the only medications that has been able to provide me with relief. However, it is important to note that if you have high blood pressure, this medication could potentially push your BP into dangerous territory. Some of the not-so-great side effects I've experienced are dizziness and sleepiness. Drink lots of water and cherry juice while taking this medication!
4Patient Review
5/15/2019 I found that this treatment works much better when taken with food, rather than just water. I haven't experienced any negative side effects since making this change, and it has decreased my gout pain by 70-80%.
4Patient Review
3/17/2021 Gout is excruciating, and this medication is often the only thing that helps. That being said, it can cause high blood pressure in some people. Be sure to stay hydrated and drink cherry juice while taking this drug!
4Patient Review
4/21/2020 I have my doctor prescribe both the 50mg and 25mg dosages, or my pharmacist will issue double the number in the 25mgs. The 25mg is for during the day and 50mg at bedtime. I experienced some major dizziness and loopiness with the 50mg dose, but it was worth it because it worked for me.
4Patient Review
4/21/2020 My doctor prescribed both the 50mg and 25mg dosages for me, and I find that this helps me a lot. I take the 25mg during the day and 50mg at bedtime. The only downside is that I feel dizzy and loopy on the 50mg dose, but it's worth it because it works for me.
2.3Patient Review
2/18/2019 I wouldn't recommend this drug if you're looking to avoid gout flare-ups before exercising. It made me feel very unsteady and then drowsy on the 50 mg tablet. I think it would be better taken at bedtime.
2.3Patient Review
7/26/2019 Unfortunately, this medication did not work for me. I saw no change in my symptoms and, if anything, the dizziness and high blood pressure made it a non-starter.
2.3Patient Review
6/12/2021 I didn't find this helpful at all. Took as directed and saw no results, so I stopped taking it. Additionally, it made me feel dizzy for about half an hour.
2.3Patient Review
2/18/2019 I wouldn't recommend this drug if you're looking to avoid gout flare-ups before exercise. I'm a 200 lb male and it made me feel really dizzy and sleepy. Maybe it would work better if taken at night before bed.
2.3Patient Review
6/12/2021 I personally saw no benefits from this medication. Furthermore, it made me dizzy for a short period of time after consuming it.
2.3Patient Review
7/26/2019 Unfortunately, this didn't work for me. I experienced no relief of my symptoms and even felt more dizzy and lightheaded than before. My blood pressure also increased quite a bit.
1.3Patient Review
3/9/2022 Unfortunately, I had to discontinue this medication because it made me feel incredibly dizzy and nauseous both times I took it for my tendonitis.
1.3Patient Review
3/9/2022 Unfortunately, I had to discontinue this medication as it made me feel incredibly ill both times I took it for my tendonitis. Dizziness, disorientation, and nausea made it impossible for me to function normally.
1Patient Review
10/6/2018 Unfortunately, this medication made my condition worse. I experienced increased pain and swelling to the point where it was difficult to walk. However, I didn't experience any side effects like nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness.
1Patient Review
4/5/2019 I cannot recommend this medication as it caused me a great deal of discomfort. It gave me headaches, made me dizzy and anxious, and my heartbeat was extremely loud in my ears.
1Patient Review
7/16/2020 This medication made my gout flare up. I red and swollen within an hour of taking the drug, and it took 12 hours for the swelling to go down. I would not recommend this medication to anyone.
1Patient Review
10/6/2018 Unfortunately, this medication made my condition worse. I experienced increased pain and swelling, to the point where it's difficult for me to walk. However, I didn't experience any side effects like nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness.
1Patient Review
4/5/2019 I cannot in good conscience recommend this medication to others. It caused me a great deal of pain and suffering with no real relief.
1Patient Review
7/16/2020 Unfortunately, this medication had the opposite of the intended effect on me. Within an hour of taking it, my gout flared up. I'm glad I realized that it was the medication and not something I ate!
Patient Q&A Section about indomethacin sodium
Is indomethacin and ibuprofen the same thing?
"Indocin can be used to relieve pain, fever, and swelling. Advil may be better for treating fever, inflammation, and pain, but does not last as long as some other NSAIDs." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is the drug indomethacin used for?
"Indomethacin is an anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve the symptoms of arthritis, such as pain, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. It can also be used to treat mild to moderate acute pain." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
Is indomethacin a strong NSAID?
"This risk may be greater with indomethacin than with other NSAIDs.
Indomethacin is one of the strongest NSAIDs and is usually only used after other NSAIDs have not worked. NSAIDs (including indomethacin) have been linked to an increased chance of having a stroke or heart attack. Indomethacin might have a greater chance of causing this than other NSAIDs." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What class of drugs is indomethacin?
"Aug 15, 2021 - Indomethacin is a type of medication called an NSAID, which works by stopping the body's production of a substance that causes pain, fever, and inflammation." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer