Indocin

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

asthma, especially aspirin sensitive asthma

coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery within the past 2 weeks

depression

drink more than 3 alcohol containing drinks a day

heart disease or circulation problems like heart failure or leg edema (fluid retention)

high blood pressure

kidney disease

liver disease

Parkinson's disease

seizures

stomach bleeding or ulcers

an unusual or allergic reaction to indomethacin, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with food and with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Long-term, continuous use may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 15 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

cidofovir

diflunisal

ketorolac

methotrexate

pemetrexed

triamterene

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

alcohol

antacids

aspirin and aspirin-like medicines

cyclosporine

digoxin

diuretics

lithium

medicines for diabetes

medicines for high blood pressure

medicines that affect platelets

medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

probenecid

steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not get better. Talk to your doctor before taking another medicine for pain. Do not treat yourself.
This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.
Do not take medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.
This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from this medicine. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
This medicine can cause you to bleed more easily. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

black or bloody stools, blood in the urine or vomit

blurred vision

chest pain

difficulty breathing or wheezing

nausea or vomiting

slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body

unexplained weight gain or swelling

unusually weak or tired

yellowing of eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

diarrhea

dizziness

headache

heartburn

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.