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Pronunciation:

(in doe METH a sin)

U.S. Brand Names:

Indocin®; Indocin® I.V.; Indocin® SR

Synonyms:

Indometacin; Indomethacin Sodium Trihydrate

Generic Available:

Yes: Capsule, suspension

Canadian Brand Names:

Apo-Indomethacin®; Indocid®; Indocid® P.D.A.; Indocin®; Indo-Lemmon; Indotec; Novo-Methacin; Nu-Indo; Rhodacine®

Use:

Management of inflammatory diseases and rheumatoid disorders; moderate pain; acute gouty arthritis, acute bursitis/tendonitis, moderate to severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis; I.V. form used as alternative to surgery for closure of patent ductus arteriosus in neonates

Pregnancy Risk Factor:

B/D (3rd trimester)

Lactation:

Enters breast milk/use caution (AAP rates "compatible")

Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity to indomethacin, any component of the formulation, aspirin, or other NSAIDs; patients in whom asthma, urticaria, or rhinitis are precipitated by NSAIDs/aspirin; active GI bleeding or ulcer disease; premature neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis; impaired renal function; active bleeding; thrombocytopenia; pregnancy (3rd trimester)

Warnings/Precautions:

Fatal asthmatic and anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in patients with "aspirin triad." Use with caution in patients with CHF, hypertension, dehydration, decreased renal or hepatic function, history of GI disease (bleeding, ulcers, or previous GI symptoms with NSAID use), or those receiving anticoagulants and/or corticosteroids. Use lowest effective dose for shortest period possible; bleeding risk has been correlated to dose and duration of therapy. Gastrointestinal bleeding may occur without prior symptoms of gastrointestinal irritation. Elderly are at a high risk for adverse effects from NSAIDs. As many as 60% of elderly can develop peptic ulceration and/or hemorrhage asymptomatically.

Use of NSAIDs can compromise existing renal function especially when Clcr<30 mL/minute. CNS adverse effects such as confusion, agitation, and hallucination are generally seen in overdose or high-dose situations; however, elderly may demonstrate these adverse effects at lower doses than younger adults. Withhold for at least 4-6 half-lives prior to surgical or dental procedures.

Adverse Reactions:

>10%: Central nervous system: Headache (12%)

1% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Dizziness (3% to 9%), drowsiness (<1%), fatigue (<3%), vertigo (<3%), depression (<3%), malaise (<3%), somnolence (<3%)

Gastrointestinal: Nausea (3% to 9%), epigastric pain (3% to 9%), abdominal pain/cramps/distress (<3%), anorexia (<1%), GI bleeding (<1%), ulcers (<1%), perforation (<1%), heartburn (3% to 9%), indigestion (3% to 9%), constipation (<3%), diarrhea (<3%), dyspepsia (3% to 9%)

Hematologic: Inhibition of platelet aggregation (3% to 9%)

Otic: Tinnitus (<3%)

<1%: Acute respiratory distress, agranulocytosis, allergic rhinitis, anaphylaxis, anemia, angioedema, anorexia, arrhythmia, aseptic meningitis, asthma, blurred vision, bone marrow suppression, bronchospasm, cholestatic jaundice, confusion, CHF, conjunctivitis, corneal opacities, cystitis, decreased hearing, depression, dilutional hyponatremia (I.V.), drowsiness, dry eyes, dyspnea, epistaxis, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, fatigue, flatulence, gastritis, GI ulceration, hallucinations, hemolytic anemia, hepatitis (including fatal cases), hot flashes, hyperkalemia, hypersensitivity reactions, hypertension, hypoglycemia (I.V.), interstitial nephritis, itching, leukopenia, nephrotic syndrome, oliguria, peripheral neuropathy, polydipsia, polyuria, proctitis, psychic disturbances, psychosis, rash, renal failure, retinal/macular disturbances, shock, somnolence, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, stomatitis, tachycardia, thrombocytopenia, toxic amblyopia, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria

Overdosage/Toxicology:

Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, seizures, paresthesia, headache, dizziness, GI bleeding, cerebral edema, tinnitus, leukocytosis, and renal failure. Management of NSAID intoxication is supportive and symptomatic.

Drug Interactions:

Substrate (minor) of CYP2C8/9, 2C19; Inhibits CYP2C8/9 (strong), 2C19 (weak)

ACE inhibitors: Antihypertensive effects may be decreased by concurrent therapy with NSAIDs; monitor blood pressure.

Angiotensin II antagonists: Antihypertensive effects may be decreased by concurrent therapy with NSAIDs; monitor blood pressure.

Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin, LMWHs) in combination with NSAIDs can cause increased risk of bleeding.

Antiplatelet drugs (ticlopidine, clopidogrel, aspirin, abciximab, dipyridamole, eptifibatide, tirofiban) can cause an increased risk of bleeding.

Cholestyramine and colestipol reduce the bioavailability of some NSAIDs; separate administration times.

Corticosteroids may increase the risk of GI ulceration; avoid concurrent use.

Cyclosporine: NSAIDs may increase serum creatinine, potassium, blood pressure, and cyclosporine levels; monitor cyclosporine levels and renal function carefully.

CYP2C8/9 substrates: Indomethacin may increase the levels/effects of CYP2C8/9 substrates. Example substrates include amiodarone, fluoxetine, glimepiride, glipizide, nateglinide, phenytoin, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone, sertraline, and warfarin.

Gentamicin and amikacin serum concentrations are increased by indomethacin in premature infants. Results may apply to other aminoglycosides and NSAIDs.

Hydralazine's antihypertensive effect is decreased; avoid concurrent use.

Lithium levels can be increased; avoid concurrent use if possible or monitor lithium levels and adjust dose. Sulindac may have the least effect. When NSAID is stopped, lithium will need adjustment again.

Loop diuretics efficacy (diuretic and antihypertensive effect) is reduced. Indomethacin reduces this efficacy, however, it may be anticipated with any NSAID.

Methotrexate: Severe bone marrow suppression, aplastic anemia, and GI toxicity have been reported with concomitant NSAID therapy. Avoid use during moderate or high-dose methotrexate (increased and prolonged methotrexate levels). NSAID use during low-dose treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has not been fully evaluated; extreme caution is warranted.

Thiazides antihypertensive effects are decreased; avoid concurrent use.

Warfarin's INRs may be increased by piroxicam. Other NSAIDs may have the same effect depending on dose and duration. Monitor INR closely. Use the lowest dose of NSAIDs possible and for the briefest duration.

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions:

Ethanol: Avoid ethanol (may enhance gastric mucosal irritation).

Food: Food may decrease the rate but not the extent of absorption. Indomethacin peak serum levels may be delayed if taken with food.

Herb/Nutraceutical: Avoid cat's claw, dong quai, evening primrose, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, red clover, horse chestnut, green tea, ginseng (all have additional antiplatelet activity).

Stability:

I.V.: Store below 30°C (86°F). Protect from light; not stable in alkaline solution; reconstitute just prior to administration; discard any unused portion; do not use preservative-containing diluents for reconstitution

Compatibility:

Stable in NS

Y-site administration: Compatible: Furosemide, insulin (regular), potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, sodium nitroprusside. Incompatible: Amino acid injection, calcium gluconate, cimetidine, dobutamine, dopamine, gentamicin, levofloxacin, tobramycin, tolazoline. Variable (consult detailed reference): Dextrose injection

Mechanism of Action:

Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by decreasing the activity of the enzyme, cyclooxygenase, which results in decreased formation of prostaglandin precursors

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics:

Onset of action: ~30 minutes

Duration: 4-6 hours

Absorption: Prompt and extensive

Distribution: Vd: 0.34-1.57 L/kg; crosses placenta; enters breast milk

Protein binding: 90%

Metabolism: Hepatic; significant enterohepatic recirculation

Half-life elimination: 4.5 hours; prolonged in neonates

Time to peak: Oral: ~3-4 hours

Excretion: Urine (primarily as glucuronide conjugates)

Dosage:

Patent ductus arteriosus:

Neonates: I.V.: Initial: 0.2 mg/kg, followed by 2 doses depending on postnatal age (PNA):

PNA at time of first dose<48 hours: 0.1 mg/kg at 12- to 24-hour intervals

PNA at time of first dose 2-7 days: 0.2 mg/kg at 12- to 24-hour intervals

PNA at time of first dose >7 days: 0.25 mg/kg at 12- to 24-hour intervals

In general, may use 12-hour dosing interval if urine output >1 mL/kg/hour after prior dose; use 24-hour dosing interval if urine output is <1 mL/kg/hour but >0.6 mL/kg/hour; doses should be withheld if patient has oliguria (urine output <0.6 mL/kg/hour) or anuria

Inflammatory/rheumatoid disorders: Oral:

Children: 1-2 mg/kg/day in 2-4 divided doses; maximum dose: 4 mg/kg/day; not to exceed 150-200 mg/day

Adults: 25-50 mg/dose 2-3 times/day; maximum dose: 200 mg/day; extended release capsule should be given on a 1-2 times/day schedule; maximum dose for sustained release is 150 mg/day

Elderly: Refer to Adults dosing; best to start older adults on 25 mg dose given 2-3 times/day

Administration:

Oral: Administer with food, milk, or antacids to decrease GI adverse effects; extended release capsules must be swallowed whole, do not crush

I.V.: Administer over 20-30 minutes at a concentration of 0.5-1 mg/mL in preservative-free sterile water for injection or normal saline. Reconstitute I.V. formulation just prior to administration; discard any unused portion; avoid I.V. bolus administration or infusion via an umbilical catheter into vessels near the superior mesenteric artery as these may cause vasoconstriction and can compromise blood flow to the intestines. Do not administer intra-arterially.

Monitoring Parameters:

Monitor response (pain, range of motion, grip strength, mobility, ADL function), inflammation; observe for weight gain, edema; monitor renal function (serum creatinine, BUN); observe for bleeding, bruising; evaluate gastrointestinal effects (abdominal pain, bleeding, dyspepsia); mental confusion, disorientation, CBC, liver function tests

Test Interactions:

Positive direct Coombs'; increased sodium, chloride, prolonged bleeding time

Dietary Considerations:

May cause GI upset, bleeding, ulceration, perforation; take with food or milk to minimize GI upset.

Patient Education:

Inform prescriber of all prescriptions, OTC medications, or herbal products you are taking, and any allergies you have. Do not take any new medication during therapy without consulting prescriber. Use exactly as directed; do not increase dose without consulting prescriber. Do not crush, break, or chew capsules. Take with food or milk to reduce GI distress. Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids) unless instructed to restrict fluid intake. May cause drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, or headache (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks that require alertness until response to drug is known); anorexia, nausea, vomiting, or heartburn (small, frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help): fluid retention (weigh yourself weekly and report unusually weight gain >3-5 lb/week); or may turn urine green (normal). GI bleeding, ulceration, or perforation can occur with or without pain; discontinue medication and contact prescriber if persistent abdominal pain or cramping or blood in stool occurs. Report difficult breathing or unusual cough; chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or palpitations; unusual bruising or bleeding; blood in urine, gums, or vomitus; swollen extremities; skin rash, irritation, or itching; acute persistent fatigue; or vision changes or ringing in ears. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to become pregnant. This drug should not be used in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.

Anesthesia and Critical Care Concerns/Other Considerations:

The 2002 ACCM/SCCM guidelines for analgesia (critically-ill adult) suggest that NSAIDs may be used in combination with opioids in select patients for pain management. Concern about adverse events (increased risk of renal dysfunction, altered platelet function and gastrointestinal irritation) limits its use in patients who have other underlying risks for these events.

In short-term use, NSAIDs vary considerably in their effect on blood pressure. When NSAIDs are used in patients with hypertension, appropriate monitoring of blood pressure responses should be completed and the duration of therapy, when possible, kept short. The use of NSAIDs in the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure may be associated with an increased risk for fluid accumulation and edema; may precipitate renal failure in dehydrated patients.

Cardiovascular Considerations:

In short-term use, NSAIDs vary considerably in their effect on blood pressure. A recent meta-analysis (see References) showed that indomethacin and naproxen had the largest effect on blood pressure. Other NSAIDs, including piroxicam, ibuprofen, and sulindac had less of an effect. Ibuprofen combined with captopril or losartan may attenuate the antihypertensive effects of ACE inhibition or receptor blockade on sitting or 24-hour ambulatory diastolic blood pressure. When NSAIDs are used in patients with hypertension, appropriate monitoring of blood pressure responses should be completed and the duration of therapy, when possible, kept short. The use of NSAIDs in the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure may be associated with an increased risk for fluid accumulation and edema. One study showed that NSAID use in elderly patients had an increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure. This study gives compelling reasons to avoid or limit the use of NSAIDs in patients with congestive heart failure, particularly in the elderly population.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment:

NSAID formulations are known to reversibly decrease platelet aggregation via mechanisms different than observed with aspirin. The dentist should be aware of the potential of abnormal coagulation. Caution should also be exercised in the use of NSAIDs in patients already on anticoagulant therapy with drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin®).

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions:

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status:

Dizziness is common; may cause nervousness; may rarely cause sedation, confusion, depression, and hallucinations

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment:

May cause bone marrow suppression; use caution with clozapine and carbamazepine; may decrease lithium clearance resulting in an increase in serum lithium levels and potential lithium toxicity; monitor serum lithium levels

Dosage Forms:

Capsule (Indocin®): 25 mg, 50 mg

Capsule, sustained release (Indocin® SR): 75 mg

Injection, powder for reconstitution, as sodium trihydrate (Indocin® I.V.): 1 mg

Suspension, oral (Indocin®): 25 mg/5 mL (237 mL) [contains alcohol 1%; pineapple-coconut-mint flavor]

International Brand Names:

Acuflex® (ZA); Adco-Indogel® (ZA); Adco-Indomethacin® (ZA); Aflamin® (ZA); Agilex® (AR); Agilisin® (BR); Aliviosin® (ES); Ammi-Indocin® (TH); Antalgin® (DO, GT, HN, MX, SV); Apo-Indomethacin® (CA, CZ); Arthrexin® (AU, NZ, ZA); Artrinovo® (ES); Autritis® (PT); Benocid® (ID); Betacin® (ZA); Bonidon® (CH); Bucin® (TH); Catlep® (HK, JP); Chrono-Indocid® (FR); Cidomel® (IE); Confortid® (CY, DK, EG, FI, JO, KW, LB, NO, SE); Contumax® (AR); Dolazol® (BE); Dolcidium® (BE, LU); Dolovin® (PT); Dometin® (NL); Elmego® (TH); Elmetacin® (BG, CH, CZ, DE, EG, HU, JO, LB, LU, PL, PT, RO, TH, ZA); Endol® (TR); Endosetin® (TR); Flamaret® (ZA); Flamecid® (ZA); Flexidin® (AT); Flexin Continus® (GB, IE); Flexin® (GB); Flogoter® (ES); IDC® (TH); Idicin® (IN); IM 75® (AR); Imbrilon® (HK); Imet® (IT); Inacid® (ES); Indacin® (JP); Inderanic® (JP); Inderapollon® (JP); Indo Agepha® (AT); Indo® (AT); Indobene® (AT, CZ, HU, RU); Indocaf® (ES); Indocap® (BD, IN); Indocid® (AR, AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CH, DK, EG, FI, FR, GB, HK, IE, IT, LU, MX, NL, NO, PL, PT, TH, TR, ZA); Indocid® P.D.A. (CA); Indocin® (CA); Indocolir® (DE, TR); Indocollirio® (IT); Indocollyre® (AT, BE, FR, ID, IL, LU, NL, PL, RO, SG, TH); Indocontin® (DE); Indofex® (BD); Indogesic® (HK, JO, KW, LB, MT, MY, RO); Indohexal® (AT); Indolar® (GB); Indo-Lemmon (CA); Indolgina® (ES, GT, HN, SV); Indomax® (GB); Indomecin® (CO); Indomed® (IL, TH); Indomee® (SE); Indome® (JP); Indomelan® (AT); Indomen YSP® (SG); Indometacina® (CL); Indometacina Genfar® (EC); Indometacin-Akri® (RU); Indometacin AL® (DE); Indometacina MK® (CR, DO, GT, HN, PA, SV); Indometacina Richmond® (AR); Indometacina Rigar® (PA); Indometacin BC® (DE, RU); Indometacin Berlin-Chemie® (CZ); Indometacin® (BG, GB, HR, RO, RU, SI, YU); Indometacine FNA® (NL); Indometacin Genericon® (AT); Indometacin Helvepharm® (CH); Indometacin Sandoz® (DE); Indometacinum® (HU); Indomet® (BD); Indomet Heumann® (DE); Indometin® (FI); Indomet-ratiopharm® (DE, LU); Indomin® (EG, JO, KW, LB, SY); Indom® (IT); Indomod® (GB, IE); Indonilo® (ES); Indono® (TH); Indo-paed® (DE); Indo-Phlogont® (DE); Indophtal® (CH); Indoptol® (AT, BE, LU, NL); Indorem® (CY); Indorex® (BD); Indosin Gel® (RO); Indotard® (IL); Indotec (CA); Indotex® (AR); Indo Top-ratiopharm® (DE); Indovis® (IL); indo von ct® (DE); Indoxen® (IT); Indoxyl® (BD); Indren® (CZ); Inflamate® (TH); Inflam® (DE); Inmet Menarini® (BD); Inmet Pacific® (BD); Inomet-SR® (TR); Inteban® (JP); Inthacine® (TH); Luiflex® (BE); Malival® (MX); Maximet® (GB); Mederreumol® (ES); Mediflex® (ZA); Metacen® (IT); Methocaps® (ZA); Metindol® (CZ, PL, RU); Metindol Retard® (PL); Metindo® (TH); Moviflex® (CL); Neo-Decabutin® (ES); Nisaid® (ZA); Novo-Methacin (CA); Nu-Indo (CA); Pardelprin® (GB); Ralicid® (AT); Restameth-SR® (ZA); Reumacap® (BD); Reumo Roger® (ES); Reusin® (ES); Rheubalmin Indo® (DE); Rheumacin® (GB, NZ); Rhodacine® (CA); Rimacid® (GB); Rolab-Indomethacin® (ZA); Servimeta® (BD, CH); Sigadoc® (DE); Slo-Indo® (GB); Visumetacina® (AR); Vonum® (AT)

References

Bilimoria Y, Moy J, and Yu B, "Nephrotic Syndrome, Exfoliative Dermatitis, Eosinophilia, and Elevated IgE Associated With Indomethacin,"J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1995, 95(2):287.

Brooks PM and Day RO, "Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs - Differences and Similarities,"N Engl J Med, 1991, 324(24):1716-25.

Clinch D, Banerjee AK, and Ostick G, "Absence of Abdominal Pain in Elderly Patients With Peptic Ulcer,"Age Ageing, 1984, 13(2):120-3.

Clive DM and Stoff JS, "Renal Syndromes Associated With Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs,"N Engl J Med, 1984, 310(9):563-72.

Conlin P, Moore T, Swartz S, et al, "Effect of Indomethacin on Blood Pressure Lowering by Captopril and Losartan in Hypertensive Patients,"Hypertension, 2000, 36(3):461-5.

Coombs RC, Morgan ME, Durbin GM, et al, "Gut Blood Flow Velocities in the Newborn: Effects of Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Parenteral Indomethacin,"Arch Dis Child, 1990, 65(10 Spec No):1067-71.

Gersony WM, Peckham GJ, Ellison RC, et al, "Effects of Indomethacin in Premature Infants With Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Results of a National Collaborative Study,"J Pediatr, 1983, 102(6):895-906.

Graham DY, "Prevention of Gastroduodenal Injury Induced by Chronic Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Therapy,"Gastroenterology, 1989, 96(2 Pt 2 Suppl):675-81.

Gurwitz JH, Avorn J, Ross-Degnan D, et al, "Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Associated Azotemia in the Very Old,"JAMA, 1990, 264(4):471-5.

Hawkey CJ, Karrasch JA, Szczepa&ntilde;ski L, et al, "Omeprazole Compared With Misoprostrol for Ulcers Associated With Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs,"N Engl J Med, 1998, 338(11):727-34.

Heerdink ER, Leufkens HG, Herings RM, et al, "NSAIDs Associated With Increased Risk of Congestive Heart Failure in Elderly Patients Taking Diuretics,"Arch Intern Med, 1998, 158(10):1108-12.

Hoppmann RA, Peden JG, and Ober SK, "Central Nervous System Side Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs. Aseptic Meningitis, Psychosis, and Cognitive Dysfunction,"Arch Intern Med, 1991, 151(7):1309-13.

Jacobi J, Fraser GL, Coursin DB, et al, "Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Sustained Use of Sedatives and Analgesics in the Critically Ill Adult,"Crit Care Med, 2002, 30(1):119-41. Available at: http://www.sccm.org/pdf/sedatives.pdf. Accessed August 2, 2003.

Knodel LC, "Preventing NSAID-Induced Ulcers: The Role of Misoprostol,"Consult Pharm, 1989, 4:37-41.

Morgan TO, Anderson A, and Bertram D, "Effect of Indomethacin on Blood Pressure in Elderly People With Essential Hypertension Well Controlled on Amlodipine or Enalapril,"Am J Hypertens, 2000, 13(11):1161-7.

Page J and Henry D, "Consumption of NSAIDs and the Development of Congestive Heart Failure in Elderly Patients: An Underrecognized Public Health Problem,"Arch Intern Med, 2000, 160(6):777-84.

Pope JE, Anderson JJ, and Felson DT, "A Meta-analysis of the Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs on Blood Pressure,"Arch Intern Med, 1993, 153(4):477-84.

Pounder R, "Silent Peptic Ulceration: Deadly Silence or Golden Silence?"Gastroenterology, 1989, 96(2 Pt 2 Suppl):626-31.

Smolinske SC, Hall AH, Vandenberg SA, et al, "Toxic Effects of Nonsteroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Overdose. An Overview of Recent Evidence on Clinical Effects and Dose-Response Relationships,"Drug Saf, 1990, 5(4):252-74.

The International Agranulocytosis and Aplastic Anemia Study, "Risks of Agranulocytosis and Aplastic Anemia. A First Report of Their Relation to Drug Use With Special Reference to Analgesics,"JAMA, 1986, 256(13):1749-57.

Verbeeck RK, "Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions With Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs,"Clin Pharmacokinet, 1990, 19(1):44-66.

Wong F, Massie D, and Hsu P, "The Effect of Misoprostol on Indomethacin-Induced Renal Dysfunction in Well-Compensated Cirrhosis,"J Hepatol, 1995, 23(1):1-7.

Yeomans ND, Tulassay Z, Juhasz L, et al, "A Comparison of Omeprazole With Ranitidine for Ulcers Associated With Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs,"N Engl J Med, 1998, 338(11):719-26.

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