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Indocin description. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also called NSAIDs) are used to relieve some symptoms caused by arthritis (rheumatism), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. However, Indocin does not cure arthritis and will help you only as long as you continue to take it. Some of these medicines are also used to relieve other kinds of pain or to treat other painful conditions, such as: gout attacks; bursitis; tendinitis; sprains, strains, or other injuries; or menstrual cramps. Ibuprofen and naproxen are also used to reduce fever. Meclofenamate is also used to reduce the amount of bleeding in some women who have very heavy menstrual periods. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug can cause side effects, especially when it is used for a long time or in large doses. Some of the side effects are painful or uncomfortable. Others can be more serious, resulting in the need for medical care and sometimes even death. If you will be taking Indocin for more than one or two months or in large amounts, you should discuss with your doctor the good that it can do as well as the risks of taking it. Also, it is a good idea to ask your doctor about other forms of treatment that might help to reduce the amount of Indocin that you take and/or the length of treatment. One of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, phenylbutazone, is especially likely to cause very serious side effects. These serious side effects are more likely to occur in patients 40 years of age or older than in younger adults, and the risk becomes greater as the patient's age increases. Before you take phenylbutazone, be sure that you have discussed its use with your doctor. Also, do not use phenylbutazone to treat any painful condition other than the one for which it was prescribed by your doctor . Although ibuprofen and naproxen may be used instead of aspirin to treat many of the same medical problems, they must not be used by people who are allergic to aspirin. The 200-mg strength of ibuprofen and the 220-mg strength of naproxen are available without a prescription. However, your health care professional may have special instructions on the proper dose of these medicines for your medical condition. Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other strengths of ibuprofen and naproxen are available only with your medical doctor's or dentist's prescription. Why prescribed Indocin. Indomethacin is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by gout, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. Indocin is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. How used Indocin. 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. Some brand names: - Idarac - Indocid - Indocid SR - Indocin - Indocin SR - Lodine - Lodine XL - Meclomen - Medipren - Medipren Caplets - Midol IB |