Indomethacin is used as an anti-inflammatory drug, especially for acute attacks of rheumatic complaints. The drug effectively fights pain and inflammation in joints, muscles and fibers. Therefore, the doctor prescribes indomethacin particularly often for arthritis and gout.
What is indomethacin?
Indomethacin is one of the so-called non-steroid anti-rheumatics (NSAIDs) within pharmaceutical science. These are drugs used specifically for rheumatism, gout and related complaints that inhibit inflammation and relieve rheumatic pain.
As an anti-inflammatory agent, the active ingredient is widely related to acetic acid and therefore acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or aspirin. The drug was discovered in the United States in the 1960s and has been officially approved since then. Available in the form of tablets or suppositories, solution or spray and gel as a single-active ingredient preparation under different trade names, the medicinal substance is sold in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and worldwide. In total, more than seventy indomethacin preparations are known. The drug requires a prescription and the attending physician decides on the dosage and dosage form of indomethacin.
Pharmacological effect
Indomethacin As a special anti-inflammatory agent for rheumatic complaints, it is free from cortisone and reduces pain without suppressing it radically.
At the same time, the drug has an antipyretic and blood-thinning effect. The main effect as a medicinal substance is to effectively block and switch off two enzymes in the body that are responsible for triggering rheumatic complaints, swelling and inflammation. These enzymes trigger the joint pain that occurs, for example, during an attack of gout. When taking the anti-inflammatory drug, the inflammation is stopped quickly and the pain is effectively relieved for hours.
The depressant effect of the drug sets in immediately after administration and develops its maximum effect after about one to two hours. It is administered orally or rectally, intravenously or by external application or spraying. The analgesic effect can last up to eight hours, with rectal administration in the form of suppositories remaining effective for longer.
Medical application & use
Indomethacin is particularly often used for rheumatic complaints and severe inflammation and pain of all kinds. The medicinal substance is preferably used in the event of a violent acute attack of gout.
In such a case, the attending physician will administer 200 milligrams, whereas 150 milligrams per day should not be exceeded with regular intake. Inflammatory joint problems such as arthritis and osteoarthritis can also be treated well with the drug. The agent has also proven itself to prevent ossification after hip joint operations.
In addition to the classic areas of application in the rheumatic area, the drug is used in a number of other clinical pictures as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. These include acute severe menstrual pain or severe eye inflammation after operations. Heavily swollen soft tissues after injuries and operations, combined with pain and fever, can also be effectively treated with this drug.
In general pain therapy, the drug is also used to combat non-inflammatory pain, especially moderate and severe to very severe. In the case of fibromyalgia, a chronic, insidious pain disease affecting tendons, muscles and ligaments, one of the most effective therapeutic steps is treatment with indomethacin.
Risks & side effects
Indomethacin Is considered to be problematic when taken continuously, as it can lead to severe side effects. In severe cases, these include gastrointestinal complaints through to gastric bleeding and gastric ulcers.
These symptoms decrease when you switch from tablets to suppositories. You can also observe general poor concentration, tiredness and sleep disorders, as well as fatigue and loss of appetite. If taken over a long period of time, it can also lead to depression, impaired perception and states of confusion. A change in the central nervous system cannot be ruled out.
There is also evidence of allergic reactions, including shock and cardiac arrest, as well as pain reliever asthma. External application in the form of gel or spray has hardly any side effects. The drug should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if you have a tendency to bleed or if you have high blood pressure. In any case, regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood count and liver values is mandatory when taking indomethacin regularly.
