Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

INDOMETHACIN - RECTAL

(in-doh-METH-uh-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Indocin

Uses

This medication relieves pain and reduces inflammation. It is commonly used to treat pain, swelling and stiffness associated with arthritis, gout, bursitis and tendonitis.

How To Use

If the suppository is too soft to insert, put it in cold water or refrigerate for 30 minutes before removing the foil wrapper. Unwrap the foil and moisten the suppository with a little water. Lie down on your left side with right knee bent. Push the suppository into the rectum with your finger. Remain lying down for a few minutes and avoid having a bowel movement for an hour or longer so the drug will be absorbed. Use this medication as directed. Do not use more often than recommended.

Side Effects

Headache, loss of appetite, lightheadedness, dizziness, constipation, or nervousness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Drowsiness or blurred vision may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Rectal irritation can occur with too much use of indomethacin suppositories, or if you have broken or inflamed skin. Notify your doctor if this occurs. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: rectal bleeding, vision changes, severe headache (especially in the morning), ringing in the ears/loss of hearing. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this drug and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: black stools, persistent stomach/ abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, ulcers, heart disease, alcohol use, high blood pressure, eye disease, mental disturbances, brain disorders such as Parkinson's, asthma, nasal polyps, any allergies - especially aspirin/NSAID allergy (e.g., ibuprofen, celecoxib). Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake as it may intensify the drowsiness effect of this medication. This medicine may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with this medicine, may increase your risk for stomach bleeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor. Check the ingredients of any nonprescription medication you may be taking since many cough-and-cold formulas contain aspirin. Infrequently, this medication may increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. If this happens to you, avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Avoid sunlamps. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Use of this drug during the last 6 months of pregnancy is not recommended. This drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" such as warfarin, other arthritis medication, water pills, lithium. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include severe stomach pain, coffee ground-like vomit, dark stool, ringing in the ears, change in amount of urine, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, confusion, severe headache or loss of consciousness.

Notes

In arthritis, it may take up to four weeks before the full effects of this medicine are noted. For best results, this must be taken regularly, as directed by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Protect from freezing.