Intelligence Profile
Safety Profile
Indomethacin Safety Profile
Known Side Effects:
Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often used for pain and inflammation. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, and the potential for gastric ulcers. It may also cause headaches, dizziness, and, less frequently, renal impairment.
Contraindications:
Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to indomethacin or other NSAIDs, those with active gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease, and individuals with severe renal impairment should avoid indomethacin. It is also contraindicated in individuals with perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Drug Interactions:
Indomethacin may interact with anticoagulants like warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. Concurrent use with other NSAIDs or high-dose aspirin can elevate the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Indomethacin can also interact with antihypertensives, reducing their effectiveness, and with drugs like lithium, methotrexate, and diuretics, potentially increasing toxicity.
Populations to Avoid:
Pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, should avoid indomethacin due to risks of fetal ductus arteriosus closure and oligohydramnios. Caution is advised in the elderly due to increased risk of adverse effects. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, renal impairment, or hypertension should use indomethacin with caution.
Evidence Thin Areas:
The provided studies and trials primarily focus on uses other than the general safety profile of indomethacin, such as its role in post-ERCP pancreatitis or dosage comparisons in unrelated drugs like ketorolac. Thus, specific recent data on indomethacin safety profile updates or novel side effects are limited in the given evidence.
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personal medical concerns.