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Indocin (indomethacin) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat moderate to severe pain, in most cases from:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Bursitis or tendinitis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Gouty arthritis
• Osteoarthritis

The medication can also be used to treat other pain. It works best when the pain is due to inflammation, which Indocin inhibits and, as a result, provides significant pain relief. Results are also best when the medication is taken at its earliest symptoms.

This medication can be used in all ages, though modified dosing is required for younger patients under age 18.

Taking Indocin

Indocin is available in 25 mg or 50 mg tablets, and in a 75 mg extended-release tablet. Do not crush, split, chew, dissolve, or otherwise damage extended-release tablets. It can take up to four weeks of regular treatment before full benefit is felt in treating particularly severe or persistant problems.

As with any medication, using Indocin at the lowest effective dosage and for the shortest duration of time is preferable. Food is optional, but taking it on a full stomach may alleviate stomach-related side effects.

Ideally a doctor will determine dosage and duration of treatment. Several personal variables should be taken into account, including age, weight, other medications involved, and so forth. The following guidelines are for otherwise healthy adults.

To treat rheumatoid arthritis:

• For regular tablets, take 25 mg two to three times per day.
• If needed, after several weeks, dosage may be increased by 25 mg or 50 mg.
• Do not exceed 200 mg per day with regular tablets.

• For extended-release tablets, take 75 mg once per day.
• Do not exceed 150 mg per day with extended-release tablets.

To treat bursitis or tendinitis:

• For regular tablets, take 75 mg to 150 mg three or four times per day.
• Continue treatment for 7 to 14 days.

• For extended-release tablets, take 75 mg once or twice per day.
• Continue treatment for 7 to 14 days.

To treat ankylosing spondylitis:

• For regular tablets, take 25 mg two to three times per day.
• If needed, after several weeks, dosage may be increased by 25 mg or 50 mg.
• Do not exceed 200 mg per day with regular tablets.

• For extended-release tablets, take 75 mg once per day.
• Do not exceed 150 mg per day with extended-release tablets.

To treat gouty arthritis:

• For regular tablets, take 50 mg three times per day.
• Treatment should continue until pain is gone.

• Extended-release tablets are not recommended.

To treat osteoarthritis:

• For regular tablets, take 25 mg two to three times per day.
• If needed, after several weeks, dosage may be increased by 25 mg or 50 mg.
• Do not exceed 200 mg per day with regular tablets.

• For extended-release tablets, take 75 mg once per day.
• Do not exceed 150 mg per day with extended-release tablets.

Treatment is typically short-term, managing pain from flare-ups. Occasionally some individuals will use it longer-term, spanning several months or even longer. Be aware that risk of side effects increase with the length of use.

Adverse Effects

While Indocin is a powerful pain reliever, it is not without risks. Of particular concern with this medication are cardiovascular events; the medication can cause a significant increase in blood pressure, and on top of that can cause other heart problems. Patients with preexisting cardiovascular issues---hypertension, heart failure, etc---should use Indocin with extreme caution. Those who have a coronary artery bypass graft should avoid use entirely.

Elderly patients are more likely than others to experience stomach-related side effects. Like all NSAIDs, Indocin can cause gastrointestinal side effects, including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines. Elderly patients and patients with a prior history of peptic ulcer disease or gastrointestinal bleeding should be monitored closely throughout treatment.

Otherwise side effects are similar to other NSAIDs, and, used correctly, Indocin offers significant pain relief, surpassing that of ibuprofen, aspirin, and other common NSAIDs.