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Side Effects > Indocin

Indocin Side Effects

Generic name: indomethacin

Generic Name: Indomethacin

Please note - some side effects for Indocin may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).


For the consumer

For the professional

By body system

Side Effects of Indocin - for the consumer


Indocin

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 when using Indocin:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset.

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

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in the urine; bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; rectal bleeding; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusual vaginal bleeding; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.


Indocin IV

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 when using Indocin IV:

Redness, pain, or oozing at the injection site.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Indocin IV:

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.


Indocin Suppositories

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 when using Indocin Suppositories:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; rectal irritation; stomach upset.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Indocin Suppositories:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in the urine; bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; inability to urinate or pass a stool even though you have the urge; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; rectal bleeding; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusual vaginal bleeding; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.


Indocin Suspension

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 when using Indocin Suspension:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Indocin Suspension:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in the urine; bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; rectal bleeding; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusual vaginal bleeding; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.


Indocin SR Sustained-Release Capsules

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 when using Indocin SR Sustained-Release Capsules:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; gas; headache; heartburn; nausea; stomach upset.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Indocin SR Sustained-Release Capsules:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; trouble breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in the urine; bloody or black, tarry stools; change in the amount of urine produced; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; depression; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; mental or mood changes; numbness of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; rectal bleeding; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea; severe vomiting; shortness of breath; sudden or unexplained weight gain; swelling of hands, legs, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual joint or muscle pain; unusual tiredness or weakness; unusual vaginal bleeding; vision or speech changes; vomit that looks like coffee grounds; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

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For the professional


Indocin

The adverse reactions for Capsules Indocin listed in the following table have been arranged into two groups: (1) incidence greater than 1%; and (2) incidence less than 1%. The incidence for group (1) was obtained from 33 double-blind controlled clinical trials reported in the literature (1,092 patients). The incidence for group (2) was based on reports in clinical trials, in the literature, and on voluntary reports since marketing. The probability of a causal relationship exists between Indocin and these adverse reactions, some of which have been reported only rarely.

The adverse reactions reported with Capsules Indocin may also occur with use of the suspension.
 

Incidence greater than 1% Incidence less than 1%
*
Reactions occurring in 3% to 9% of patients treated with Indocin. (Those reactions occurring in less than 3% of the patients are unmarked.)
GASTROINTESTINAL

nausea* with or without vomiting

dyspepsia* (including indigestion,
    heartburn and epigastric pain)

diarrhea

abdominal distress or pain

constipation

anorexia

bloating (includes distension)

flatulence

peptic ulcer

gastroenteritis

rectal bleeding

proctitis

single or multiple ulcerations,
    including perforation and hemorrhage
    of the esophagus, stomach,
    duodenum or small and large
    intestines

intestinal ulceration associated with
    stenosis and obstruction

gastrointestinal bleeding without
    obvious ulcer formation and
    perforation of pre-existing
    sigmoid lesions (diverticulum,
    carcinoma, etc.) development
    of ulcerative colitis and
    regional ileitis

ulcerative stomatitis

toxic hepatitis and jaundice (some
    fatal cases have been
    reported)

intestinal strictures (diaphragms)

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

headache (11.7%)

dizziness*

vertigo

somnolence

depression and fatigue (including
    malaise and listlessness)

anxiety (includes nervousness)

muscle weakness

involuntary muscle movements

insomnia

muzziness

psychic disturbances including
    psychotic episodes

mental confusion

drowsiness

light-headedness

syncope

paresthesia

aggravation of epilepsy and
    parkinsonism

depersonalization

coma

peripheral neuropathy

convulsion

dysarthria

SPECIAL SENSES

tinnitus

ocular — corneal deposits and retinal
    disturbances, including those of
    the macula, have been reported in
    some patients on prolonged therapy
    with Indocin

blurred vision

diplopia

hearing disturbances, deafness

CARDIOVASCULAR

none

hypertension

hypotension

tachycardia

chest pain

congestive heart failure

arrhythmia; palpitations

METABOLIC

none

edema

weight gain

fluid retention

flushing or sweating

hyperglycemia

glycosuria

hyperkalemia

INTEGUMENTARY

none

pruritus

rash; urticaria

petechiae or ecchymosis

exfoliative dermatitis

erythema nodosum

loss of hair

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

erythema multiforme

toxic epidermal necrolysis

HEMATOLOGIC

none

leukopenia

bone marrow depression

anemia secondary to obvious or occult
    gastrointestinal bleeding

aplastic anemia

hemolytic anemia

agranulocytosis

thrombocytopenic purpura

disseminated intravascular
    coagulation

HYPERSENSITIVITY

none

acute anaphylaxis

acute respiratory distress

rapid fall in blood pressure resembling
    a shock-likestate

angioedema

dyspnea

asthma

purpura

angiitis

pulmonary edema

fever

GENITOURINARY

none

hematuria

vaginal bleeding

proteinuria

nephrotic syndrome

interstitial nephritis

BUN elevation

renal insufficiency, including renal failure

MISCELLANEOUS

none

epistaxis

breast changes, including enlargement
    andtenderness, or gynecomastia

Causal relationship unknown: Other reactions have been reported but occurred under circumstances where a causal relationship could not be established. However, in these rarely reported events, the possibility cannot be excluded. Therefore, these observations are being listed to serve as alerting information to physicians:

Cardiovascular: Thrombophlebitis

Hematologic: Although there have been several reports of leukemia, the supporting information is weak

Genitourinary: Urinary frequency

A rare occurrence of fulminant necrotizing fasciitis, particularly in association with Group Aβ hemolytic streptococcus, has been described in persons treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, including indomethacin, sometimes with fatal outcome.

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By body system


Gastrointestinal side effects

Single and multiple ulcerations may occur in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, as well as in the small and large intestines, and may be fatal in some patients. In rare cases, intestinal ulceration has been associated with stenosis and obstruction.

Patients with a history of serious gastrointestinal events or alcohol abuse are at increased risk for severe gastrointestinal side effects. Indomethacin should be used with caution in these patients.

Indomethacin should be administered with food or antacids to reduce gastric irritation.

Gastrointestinal side effects reported frequently include dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Constipation, anorexia, flatulence, gastroenteritis, proctitis, and stomatitis have been reported. More serious gastrointestinal effects include esophageal, peptic, and intestinal ulceration; gastrointestinal hemorrhage, with or without perforation; ileal and colonic strictures; and pancreatitis.


Hepatic side effects

Hepatic side effects have included reports of elevation in liver function tests in up to 15% of patients. Rare cases of indomethacin induced hepatitis, cholestasis and jaundice have been reported.

Elevations in liver function tests three times normal values occur in less than 1% of patients. Evaluation for possible serious hepatotoxicity in patients who develop significant elevations in liver function tests is recommended. Indomethacin-induced hepatitis has been associated with fatal outcome in some cases.


Renal side effects

Renal insufficiency is reported and frequently manifests as increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and decreased urine output. Indomethacin has been implicated in cases of acute renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, interstitial nephritis, and renal papillary necrosis. Fatal renal failure has been reported.

Indomethacin may impair the ability of the kidney to cope with low renal blood flow states due to inhibition of prostaglandin-dependent afferent arteriolar vasodilation. Renal function may be further compromised in patients with heart failure, hypovolemia, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, or hypoalbuminemia. Additional risk factors for indomethacin-induced renal insufficiency are advanced age and concomitant use of diuretics.

A case-control study suggested that patients who consumed 5000 or more pills containing NSAIDs during their lifetime may be at increased risk of end-stage renal disease.

Patients with decreased renal function may be at increased risk for renal side effects. Cautious use of indomethacin and close monitoring of renal function and electrolytes is recommended.


Metabolic side effects

Metabolic side effects have included hyponatremia, Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Syndrome (SIADH), hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, and hyperglycemia.

Inhibition of intrarenal prostaglandin synthesis is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of indomethacin-induced hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism and subsequent hyperkalemia. Risk factors for the development of hyperkalemia include preexisting renal insufficiency, advanced age, diabetes mellitus, and extracellular volume depletion as well as concomitant use of potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, and ACE inhibitors.


Hematologic side effects

Hematologic side effects reported have included anemia, increased bleeding time, leukopenia, aplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Anemia is usually a consequence of obvious or occult gastrointestinal bleeding.

Although hematologic abnormalities may be reversible upon discontinuation of indomethacin, indomethacin has been implicated in at least two cases of fatal aplastic anemia.


Nervous system side effects

Central nervous system side effects such as headache, dizziness, vertigo, and drowsiness are not uncommon. These often respond to dose reduction but may require drug discontinuation. Convulsions, aggravation of epilepsy and parkinsonism, paresthesias, and peripheral neuropathy have been reported.


Psychiatric side effects

Psychiatric side effects, including psychosis, mental confusion, anxiety, mania, and depersonalization, are reported in less than 1% of patients. Insomnia has also been reported.

Indomethacin may aggravate preexisting psychiatric illness, including depression, psychoses, and anxiety. Cautious use in patients with a history of mental illness is recommended.


Cardiovascular side effects

Precipitation of congestive heart failure is primarily due to indomethacin-induced sodium and water retention. Congestive heart failure may occur within two days of starting indomethacin or following several years of therapy.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may elevate blood pressure and increase the risk for the initiation of antihypertensive therapy. Furthermore, NSAIDs may antagonize the blood-pressure lowering effect of antihypertensive medications in patients already being treated with antihypertensive drugs.

Cardiovascular side effects include peripheral edema, cerebral insufficiency, hyperventilation, and worsening of heart failure. Blood pressure may be elevated by indomethacin which may have clinical relevance in patients with co-morbid illnesses.


Dermatologic side effects

Dermatologic side effects reported include rash, pruritus, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Psoriasis and dermatitis herpetiformis may be worsened by indomethacin therapy in some patients.


Hypersensitivity side effects

Hypersensitivity reactions include urticaria, angioedema, dyspnea, bronchospasm, hypotension, fever, angiitis, arthropathy, purpura, and anaphylaxis.


Ocular side effects

Ocular side effects occur in less than 1% of patients. Corneal deposits, retinopathy, blurred vision, and diplopia have been reported.

Retinal disturbances, including those of the macula and corneal deposits, are typically associated with prolonged indomethacin use. During long-term indomethacin therapy, periodic ophthalmologic examinations are recommended. Any changes in vision noted by the patient should also prompt investigation.


Other side effects

Other non-immmune side effects reported include fetal hydrops with the use of indomethacin tocolysis of only 30 hours.

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