Indomethacin

definition

The drug indomethacin belongs to the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs or NSAIDs = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
Indomethacin is mainly used for rheumatic diseases.

How indomethacin works

Indomethacin inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which prevents the formation of Prostaglandins is inhibited:

• Prostaglandins are substances that, among other things, in mediating pain, fever and inflammation play a crucial role.
  In addition, prostaglandins play an important role in triggering Labor pains as well as regulating the composition of the Gastric juice.

• A reduced concentration of prostaglandins explains the pain relieving (analgesic), antipyretic (antipyretic) and anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) Effect of indomethacin.

Indomethacin also inhibits the mobility of certain white blood cells (Leukocytes). Inflammatory activity is thus also inhibited, which above all the application at Attack of gout explained.

Also other active ingredients from the group of NSARs develop their effect similarly to indomethacin by inhibiting cyclooxygenase.
These include: Aspirin salicylic acid, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac, Meloxicam, phenylbutazone, Celecoxib, and much more.

Areas of application

The active ingredient indomethacin can be used as a tablet, as an infusion or as a suppository.
The full effect occurs after approx. 2 hours one and lasts for about 4-5 hours on.

Indomethacin can also be applied externally in the form of an ointment.

Indomethacin is mostly in the dosage 50mg in front. Adults can use this 1 to 3 tablets per day take in.
A maximum dose of 200mg per day should not be exceeded.

Indomethacin can e.g. are used:

• at fever
• in pain
• in rheumatic diseases (for anti-inflammatory and pain relief): e.g. Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis
• at the Attack of gout

Attack of gout

Side effects

The side effects mainly occur long-term use of indomethacin on.

These include:

• asthmatic complaints (Analgesic asthma) through increased formation of leukotrienes by the cyclooxygenase, which narrows the Bronchi cause
• Stomach ulcers due to the loss of the mucosal protective effect of the prostaglandins
• Allergic reaction
• dizziness, Tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite
• a headache

Contraindications

Patients who suffer from certain diseases should not take indomethacin or only after consulting their doctor.

That applies to:

• asthma
• Impaired liver function
• decreased kidney function
• Parkinson's disease
• Gastric ulcer (Gastric ulcer) in the prehistory
• Active bleeding (e.g. from stomach ulcers)
• allergy against NSAIDs in general

In the pregnancy and Lactation indomethacin should not be used. In the case of children, this should only be done as directed by a doctor.

Interactions

• With cortisone:
  If taken at the same time, stomach ulcers are more common.

• With blood thinning drugs:
  There is an increased risk of bleeding.

• With ciclospoprin A, tacrolimus, ACE inhibitors:
  This increases the risk of kidney damage.

• With digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, phenytoin, phenobarbital, antidiabetic agents, antihypertensive agents (antihypertensive agents), diuretics (water tablets), probenecid:
  The drugs influence each other with regard to the concentration of the respective drug.
  The result is either too low or too high concentrations in the blood and thus no effect or. toxic concentrations.