What is indomethacin and what is it for?

What is indomethacin?

It is a drug with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties, which is used to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, a hormone that is responsible for controlling muscle contraction.

You should know: Indomethacin can be purchased in capsules of 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg, which must be administered orally, although there are also presentations in suppositories.

The doses vary according to the medical diagnosis, since being a multi-function medication it must be included in the medical treatment according to the symptoms.

On the other hand, it is important to mention thatmedication is considered non-steroidal despite its qualities, although it can generate strong side effects if the 200 mg daily administered are exceeded.

What is indomethacin for?

Indomethacin, having anti- inflammatory benefits and including its analgesic action, is administered as part of medications to improve the following health conditions:

1. Rheumatic diseases

Rheumatoid arthritis, among other diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system , are health conditions that can trigger severe pain in muscles and jointstag. Bearing in mind that these types of conditions are usually degenerative and of medium progress.(1)

Note: The action of indomethacin on rheumatic diseases is favorable when it is administered correctly, since this medicine can produce rapid relief and its effect is prolonged .

2. Ankylosing spondylitis and acute gout

The action of indomethacin on ankylosing spondylitis and acute gout greatly favors the reduction of the symptomsof these diseases. Being considered health conditions that generate severe muscle pain, especially at the joint level.

To highlight: Treatment for acute gouty arthritis should be indicated by a specialist, since this disease is usually diagnosed when it is in its most critical phase due to the high concentration of uric acid in the body . (two)

3. Acute musculoskeletal disorders

Anti-inflammatories and analgesics such as indomethacin, are the main drugs indicated to treat acute musculoskeletal disorders, since they are a series of diseases like the previous ones, which generate strong ailments, inflammation and redness .

Indomethacin Side Effects

Taking indomethacin can cause a number of side effects if not taken properly, including:

• Renal insufficiency.
• Alteration in liver function.
• Abdominal pain.
• Platelet aggregation.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Blurry vision.
• Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
• Hypersensitivity to indomethacin.

Important: If during treatment with indomethacin you manifest any of the above reactions, it is recommended to stop taking it and see a specialist doctor .

Contraindications of indomethacin

As with any medicine, certain precautions must be taken before ingesting it, taking into account that it is best to consult your doctor and avoid self-medicationtag. Here are some of the contraindications of indomethacin:

• Patients with a history of asthma or other respiratory disease .
•  Patients with ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Patients with  heart failure and increased blood pressure.
• It should not be taken if you are taking aspirin .
• If you are pregnant or lactating, consult your doctor.

You should know: The administration of indomethacin is contraindicated in children under 14 years of age and adults over 65 years of age.

Key Conclusions

• Indomethacin is a medicine with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties used to improve health conditions at the musculoskeletal level.
• It is indicated as part of the treatment of diseases such as acute gout, ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatic diseases .
• Its administration must be under medical supervision, since it can generate adverse reactions such as: abdominal pain, kidney failure, blurred vision , among others.
• It should not be consumed by children under 14 years of age or adults over 65 years of age.