Indocin, or indomethacin, is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain reliever. Indocin is primarily used to relieve muscle pain, rheumatoid arthritis pain, osteoarthritis hip pain and gouty arthritis pain. Other uses of Indocin include treatment of athletic injuries, menstrual pain and idiopathic pericarditis (pain from fluid accumulation in the sac that surrounds the heart).
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Indocin central nervous system side effects include headache, lightheadedness, vertigo and fainting. Patients may experience drowsiness or insomnia; confusion, muscle weakness and fatigue may also be experienced. More severe side effects include psychic disturbances such as hallucinations and depression; coma, convulsions and Parkinson's-type reactions may also occur.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
The National Institutes of Health advises that Indocin may cause an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and this risk is even greater for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and cerebral vascular disease.
Indocin may cause an elevated blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and chest pain. Other cardiovascular side effects include affecting a patient's heart rate, causing it to speed up or slow down. Fluid retention and weight gain are possible with the potential for congestive heart failure to occur. Patients should report these symptoms, including shortness of breath, wheezing, low blood pressure and cough, to their health care provider.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Indocin may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a decreased appetite and abdominal distention. Some patients may experience stomach ulcers, rectal bleeding, gastrointestinal ulcers and hemorrhage, and perforation of the stomach or intestine. These more severe side effects can occur without warning; any occurrence of bleeding, either vomiting of blood or passing blood in the stool, should be reported to a physician immediately. There is a possibility that Indocin use may also cause toxic hepatitis; Indocin should be avoided or used with caution in patients with liver disease.
Hematologic Side Effects
Indocin use can affect white blood cell production. Anemias and lowered platelet counts can occur. Patients on long-term use should be screened periodically for these problems.
Renal System Side Effects
Patients taking Indocin are at risk for altered kidney function; periodic renal function should be assessed by a doctor. Patients may experience urinary frequency or passing of blood in the urine. These side effects should be reported to a physician.
Dermatologic Side Effects
Indocin may cause hair loss, redness and skin irritation and exfoliative dermatitis. The occurrence of skin irritation should be reported to a physician to rule out sensitivity reactions.
Metabolic Side Effects
Indocin use may affect electrolyte balance in the body. Patients should report muscle weakness, muscle cramps and irregular heart rates and rhythms to a doctor. Diabetic patients should closely monitor their blood glucose levels when taking Indocin.
References
- National Institute of Health Daily Med Sheet
- Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010.
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