indomethacin (IN-doe-METH-a-sin)

Indomethacin is used for:

Treating patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in certain premature infants.

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is thought to work by blocking the action of a certain chemical in the body called prostaglandin.

Do NOT use indomethacin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in indomethacin
• you have an untreated infection, active bleeding (especially in the brain, stomach, or intestinal bleeding), low blood platelets, blood clotting problems, certain severe bowel problems (eg, necrotizing enterocolitis), severe kidney problems, or certain types of congenital heart disease
• you are taking probenecid

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using indomethacin:

Some medical conditions may interact with indomethacin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines (eg, NSAIDs) foods, or other substances
• if you have stomach or intestinal lesions, ulcers, or bleeding; or blood or bleeding problems
• if you have congestive heart failure; kidney or liver problems; urinary problems; high blood pressure in the lungs; mouth sores; seizures; or low blood sodium levels
• if you have an infection

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with indomethacin. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), heparin, or salicylates (eg, aspirin) because the risk of bleeding may be increased
• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, captopril), angiotensin receptor blockers (eg, losartan), cyclosporine, or triamterene because the risk of kidney problems may be increased
• Fluoroquinolones (eg, ofloxacin) because the risk of seizures may be increased
• Cyclophosphamide or probenecid because they may increase the risk of indomethacin's side effects
• Aminoglycosides (eg, amikacin, gentamicin), digitalis, digoxin, lithium, or methotrexate because the risk of their side effects may be increased by indomethacin
• Beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol) or diuretics (eg, furosemide) because their effectiveness may be decreased by indomethacin

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if indomethacin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use indomethacin:

Use indomethacin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Indomethacin is usually given as an injection at a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
• If you miss a dose of indomethacin, contact the doctor right away.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about the proper use of indomethacin.

Important safety information:

• Indomethacin may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Lab tests, including liver function, kidney function, lung function, blood counts, and blood electrolytes, may be performed while you use indomethacin. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Indomethacin is not approved for use in adults.

Possible side effects of indomethacin:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Redness, pain, or oozing at the injection site.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in vomit, stool, or urine; dark, tarry stools; decreased urination; slow heartbeat; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual weight gain.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.