Generic Indocin

Introduction

Indocin is a prescription medication containing the non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSA‑type) indomethacin. It belongs to the Pain Relief and Arthritis medication groups and is used primarily for the short‑term relief of moderate to severe pain and for reducing inflammation associated with various rheumatic conditions. In the United Kingdom, Indocin is prescribed by clinicians when rapid anti‑inflammatory action is required, for example in acute gout attacks, ankylosing spondylitis flares, and post‑operative pain. The active compound, indomethacin, inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, thereby decreasing pain signalling and swelling. Secondary uses include treatment of certain types of kidney stones and a role in managing patent ductus arteriosus in neonates, although these indications are less common in adult practice.

What is Indocin?

Indocin is a brand‑name formulation of the synthetic NSAID indomethacin. The drug was first synthesised in the 196s and introduced to the market by Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD). It is supplied as oral tablets (typically 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg strengths) and as a suppository for patients unable to swallow tablets. Indomethacin is a potent cyclo‑oxygenase (COX) inhibitor, exerting anti‑inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. Our online pharmacy offers this medication as a regulated product, sourced from licensed manufacturers that meet the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) standards.

How Indocin Works

Indocin works by blocking the activity of the cyclo‑oxygenase enzymes COX‑1 and COX‑2. These enzymes catalyse the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which are lipid compounds that mediate pain, fever, and inflammation. By reducing prostaglandin production, indomethacin lessens the sensitivity of peripheral nociceptors and diminishes vascular permeability, which together lower pain intensity and swelling.

Pharmacokinetically, indomethacin is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 1–2 hours after oral administration. The drug’s terminal half‑life is approximately 4.5 hours, and it is mainly eliminated unchanged by hepatic metabolism and renal excretion. Because of its high protein binding (~99 %), drug interactions via displacement may occur, necessitating careful review of concomitant medications.

Conditions Treated with Indocin

• Gout (acute mono‑articular attacks) – Indomethacin provides rapid pain relief within 24 hours and reduces joint inflammation, making it a first‑line oral option recommended by the British Society for Rheumatology.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (flaring disease) – Although disease‑modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the long‑term cornerstone, Indocin can be employed for short‑term control of severe joint pain and swelling.
• Ankylosing spondylitis – The drug alleviates axial spinal inflammation, improving mobility during acute disease exacerbations.
• Osteoarthritis of the knee or hip – Used intermittently for breakthrough pain when paracetamol or ibuprofen are insufficient.
• Post‑operative pain – Indomethacin’s potent anti‑inflammatory action can reduce pain after orthopedic or dental surgery, where bleeding risk is acceptable.
• Kidney stone colic – Limited evidence suggests indomethacin can ease ureteric smooth‑muscle spasm, facilitating stone passage.

In the UK, these indications align with the NHS formulary and are supported by clinical guidelines that cite indomethacin’s efficacy in achieving rapid symptom control.

Who is Indocin For?

• Adults with acute inflammatory arthritis – Patients experiencing sudden, severe joint pain (e.g., gout, ankylosing spondylitis) who need fast symptom relief.
• Individuals requiring short‑term, high‑potency NSAID therapy – When low‑dose ibuprofen or naproxen fail to control pain, Indocin’s stronger COX inhibition may be appropriate.
• Patients without contraindications to NSAIDs – Those with preserved renal function, no history of gastrointestinal ulceration, and no uncontrolled hypertension can safely receive Indocin under medical supervision.
• People who can tolerate oral tablets or suppositories – Swallowing difficulties or severe nausea may necessitate the rectal formulation.

Indocin is not suitable for:

• Patients with active peptic ulcer disease or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Individuals with severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²).
• Those with known hypersensitivity to indomethacin or other NSAIDs.
• Pregnant women (particularly in the third trimester) due to risk of premature ductus arteriosus closure.

Clinical judgement is essential to balance therapeutic benefit against potential harm in each case.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Gastro‑intestinal discomfort – nausea, dyspepsia, heartburn.
• Headache – mild to moderate intensity, often transient.
• Dizziness – may affect coordination, especially when initiating therapy.
• Elevated liver enzymes – mild, reversible increase in transaminases.

Rare

• Peptic ulceration – may present with melena or hematemesis.
• Renal impairment – rise in serum creatinine, especially in dehydrated patients.
• Photosensitivity – exaggerated sunburn reaction after UV exposure.
• Hepatotoxicity – marked rise in bilirubin or transaminases, occasionally with jaundice.

Serious

• Gastro‑intestinal bleeding – haematemesis, melena, or occult blood loss requiring urgent medical attention.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions – anaphylaxis, Stevens‑Johnson syndrome, or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
• Cardiovascular events – increased risk of myocardial infarction or stroke with long‑term high‑dose use.
• Cerebral edema – rare but documented, particularly in patients with pre‑existing brain pathology.

Clinically Relevant Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants) – additive bleeding risk; monitor INR or clotting parameters.
• Other NSAIDs or COX‑2 inhibitors – heightened gastrointestinal and renal toxicity.
• Angiotensin‑converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and diuretics – may precipitate acute kidney injury.
• Lithium – indomethacin can increase lithium serum concentrations, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate – reduced clearance leading to myelosuppression; dose adjustment may be required.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to their prescriber.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Typical adult oral dosing – 25 mg to 50 mg three times daily for acute pain, or 75 mg once daily as a maintenance dose in certain chronic conditions. The exact regimen depends on the indication, severity, and patient tolerance.
• Suppository formulation – 100 mg inserted rectally once or twice daily when oral administration is not feasible.
• Missed dose – If a dose is forgotten and the scheduled time is still ≥ 6 hours away, take it as soon as remembered. Skip the missed dose if the next dose is imminent; do not double‑dose.
• Overdose – Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, or respiratory depression. Immediate medical attention is required; activated charcoal may be administered in a hospital setting.
• Food and alcohol – Take tablets with food or a full glass of water to minimise gastrointestinal irritation. Limit alcohol intake, as it can potentiate gastric bleeding.
• Comorbidities – In patients with hypertension, monitor blood pressure regularly. Those with asthma should be observed for bronchospasm, a rare NSAID‑induced phenomenon.

Buying Indocin from Our Online Pharmacy

Indocin can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in UK. We specialise in providing affordable, high‑quality generic medications while adhering to strict regulatory standards.

• Affordable pricing – Our cost structure reflects near‑manufacturer pricing, making generic indomethacin more accessible than many brand‑name alternatives.
• Verified quality – All products are sourced from MHRA‑licensed manufacturers and undergo rigorous quality checks before dispatch.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet, reliable shipping is available, with express options delivering within 7 days and regular airmail arriving in approximately 3 weeks.
• Online‑only accessibility – For patients with limited access to local pharmacies or who require a discreet service, we act as a pharmacy‑broker, partnering with overseas licensed pharmacies to provide a seamless purchasing experience.

Our service respects patient privacy, ensuring that every order is packaged securely and delivered confidentially to the address of your choice.

FAQ

• Can Indocin be taken with other NSAIDs?
  It is generally advised not to combine Indocin with other NSAIDs, including ibuprofen or naproxen, because this increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and renal toxicity.

• What should I do if I experience a rash while on Indocin?
  A rash may indicate a hypersensitivity reaction. Stop taking the medication and seek medical advice promptly, especially if the rash spreads or is accompanied by fever or swelling.

• Does Indocin require special storage conditions?
  Store tablets at room temperature, ideally between 15 °C and 30 °C, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources. Do not refrigerate unless advised by the supplier.

• Are there differences between Indocin tablets produced in the UK and those manufactured abroad?
  All Indocin tablets sold in the UK must meet MHRA standards, regardless of the manufacturing location. Formulations may vary slightly in excipients, but the active indomethacin content remains identical.

• Can I travel internationally with Indocin?
  Yes, you may travel with Indocin for personal use, provided you carry a copy of the prescription or a letter from a healthcare professional. Check the destination country’s regulations regarding importation of prescription medicines.

• Is there a risk of Indocin affecting laboratory drug tests?
  Indomethacin does not typically appear on standard drug screening panels. However, it may interfere with certain specialized tests, so inform the laboratory if you are undergoing such analyses.

• How long can I safely use Indocin for chronic conditions?
  Long‑term use is generally discouraged due to cumulative gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal risks. When required for chronic conditions, clinicians aim to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, with regular monitoring.

• What inactive ingredients are present in Indocin tablets?
  Common excipients include lactose monohydrate, maize starch, magnesium stearate, and povidone. Patients with specific allergies should review the full ingredient list provided by the manufacturer.

• Can Indocin be used in patients with mild asthma?
  While indomethacin is not a primary trigger for asthma, NSAIDs can precipitate bronchospasm in a subset of asthmatic individuals. Patients with known NSAID‑sensitive asthma should avoid Indocin.

• Does the NHS cover the cost of Indocin?
  Indocin is available on the NHS formulary for certain indications, and prescription charges may apply depending on the patient’s eligibility for exemptions or pre‑payment certificates.

Glossary

Cyclo‑oxygenase (COX)

An enzyme that converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. Indomethacin inhibits both COX‑1 and COX‑2 isoforms.

Prostaglandin

Lipid compounds that act locally to promote inflammation, pain perception, and fever; they also protect the stomach lining and support platelet function.

Half‑life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 %. Indomethacin’s half‑life is approximately 4.5 hours, influencing dosing frequency.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Indocin is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Indocin for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.