Indomethacin
Indomethacin is an anti-inflammatory medicine for gout and arthritis pain, sold as Indocin and as indomethacin capsules in 25mg, 50mg and 75mg strengths.
Indomethacin
Indomethacin
25/50/75mg
Indomethacin capsules in 25mg, 50mg and 75mg, an NSAID for rheumatoid arthritis, gout attacks and other inflammatory joint problems, in packs of 30 to 360.
When everyday painkillers are not enough
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), the family that includes ibuprofen and naproxen, and it is used for pain that is moderate to severe rather than occasional. It is used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis that mainly affects the spine), for shoulder pain caused by bursitis (an inflamed fluid-filled sac in the shoulder joint) or tendinitis, and for sudden attacks of gout. Swelling and pain after orthopaedic surgery, and period pain, are two further reasons it is used.
What it does in the body
The body builds prostaglandins with the help of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. Prostaglandins are the messengers that turn an injured joint hot, swollen and sore, so blocking the enzyme lowers all three. Capsules go down with a meal or straight after one — an empty stomach tends to complain — and are usually taken two to four times a day, at roughly the same times daily so the effect stays even.
Side effects to watch for
Indigestion, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain and headache are the complaints that come up most; dizziness and diarrhoea happen too. The serious risks are in the gut and the heart. Indomethacin can open an ulcer or cause bleeding in the stomach or intestine, sometimes with no warning, and long courses of NSAIDs make a heart attack or stroke more likely. Black tarry stools, vomit that contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, chest pain, trouble breathing, a limb that suddenly goes weak on one side, or slurred speech: each needs urgent treatment.
Mixing indomethacin with other medicines
Stomach bleeding becomes more likely when indomethacin is taken with warfarin or another blood thinner, aspirin, another NSAID, a steroid course, or an SSRI or SNRI antidepressant. It can also push lithium levels up and blunt the effect of diuretics and blood-pressure medicines. Alcohol belongs in the same picture: heavy drinking while on indomethacin makes ulcers and bleeding more likely.
Indocin and indomethacin capsules
Both products sold here contain the same active ingredient, in 25mg, 50mg and 75mg capsules. Indocin is the brand name; indomethacin capsules carry the plain name. Which strength suits depends on the condition being treated and how long it is needed — a gout attack is often a short course, arthritis a longer one. Capsules are best kept in a cool, dark cupboard. Both are part of the shop's painkillers range.
Sources
- Indomethacin: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus
- Indometacin 100mg suppositories - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) — electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Where can I order Indomethacin for delivery in Hong Kong?
You can order indomethacin online with delivery to Hong Kong. The range includes generic Indocin as 25mg, 50mg and 75mg capsules and Indomethacin capsules in 25mg, 50mg and 75mg. If a parcel does not arrive within the delivery window or arrives damaged, it is sent again free, or refunded if that is not possible.
How are Indomethacin prices shown?
Prices vary between the two indomethacin products and between pack sizes. Every product page lists its current prices in HKD or in the currency you choose.
Do I need a prescription to order Indomethacin?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order indomethacin. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What brand names does indomethacin have?
Indocin is a brand name of indomethacin, which is also sold as Indocap. Here, indomethacin can be bought online as generic Indocin and indomethacin capsules. These are generics, not the original brand.
What is the difference between Indocin and indomethacin capsules?
Both contain indomethacin and both come as 25mg, 50mg and 75mg capsules. Indocin is a brand name for the medicine, while the product called indomethacin capsules uses the plain ingredient name. The difference is the name on the pack, not the active ingredient.
Can I drink alcohol with indomethacin?
Keep it light. Drinking heavily on indomethacin makes ulcers and stomach bleeding more likely, most of all for people with a history of stomach trouble or on a long course.
Should I take indomethacin with food?
Yes. Take each capsule during a meal or just after it, because an empty stomach is where it irritates most; some people use an antacid as well. With doses two to four times a day, that usually means a capsule at each meal and one with a late snack.
Can I take indomethacin with ibuprofen or other painkillers?
Taking indomethacin alongside ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin or another anti-inflammatory adds to the risk of stomach bleeding without adding much pain relief. Paracetamol is not an NSAID and does not carry the same bleeding risk.
Is indomethacin a steroid?
No. The 'non-steroidal' part of NSAID means it is not a steroid; it works by blocking the cyclooxygenase enzyme instead. Steroid tablets such as prednisolone calm inflammation in a different way, and taking both together makes stomach problems more likely.