Indomethacin (Indocin)

             Indomethacin has a powerful anti-inflammatory action, but only a weak analgesic action. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and associated disorders, ankylosing spondylitis and acute gout. Adverse effects are common (approximately 25% of patients).

Adverse Effects
Gastric intolerance and toxicity, renal and pulmonary toxicities occur, as with other NSAIDs (see above). Headache is also common; less often light-headedness, confusion or hallucinations arise.

Pharmacokinetics
Indomethacin is readily absorbed by mouth or from suppositories. It undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism. Both the parent drug and inactive metabolites are excreted in the urine.

Drug Interactions
The actions of antihypertensive drugs and diuretics are opposed by indomethacin. Triamterene, in particular, should be avoided, because of hyperkalaemia.

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