Generic Indomethacin

Introduction

Indomethacin is a potent non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) used primarily for relief of moderate to severe pain and inflammation. In the United Kingdom it is prescribed for a range of musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions where inflammation drives the clinical picture. The medication belongs to the “Pain Relief, Arthritis” group and contains the active compound indomethacin. It is also employed off‑label for certain ocular inflammations and postoperative pain when rapid anti‑inflammatory action is required.

What is Indomethacin?

Indomethacin is an NSAID of the indole‑acetic acid class. First synthesised by the pharmaceutical company Searle in the early 196s, it has been marketed worldwide under several brand names, the most recognised being Indocin (United States) and Indocid (Europe).

Indomethacin is the generic version of these well‑known brand‑name products, containing the same active compound indomethacin. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option.

The drug is supplied in oral tablet form, as well as in suppository and injectable formulations for hospital use. In the UK it is regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and listed in the British National Formulary (BNF) under NSAIDs.

How Indomethacin Works

Indomethacin exerts its therapeutic effect by reversibly inhibiting the cyclo‑oxygenase enzymes COX‑1 and COX‑2. These enzymes catalyse the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which are mediators of pain, fever and inflammation. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, indomethacin diminishes the sensitisation of nerve endings and the vascular permeability that underpins swelling and pain.

• Onset of action: analgesic effect typically begins within 30–60 minutes after oral administration.
• Duration: therapeutic plasma concentrations are maintained for about 4–6 hours; the elimination half‑life averages 4.5 hours but may be prolonged in renal impairment.
• Clearance: the drug is metabolised in the liver and excreted primarily via the kidneys (≈ 70 % unchanged). This pharmacokinetic profile explains the need for dose adjustment in patients with reduced renal function.

Conditions Treated with Indomethacin

Indomethacin is approved for several inflammatory and painful disorders, most of which are common in the UK adult population:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a chronic autoimmune disease affecting ~ .5 % of the UK population; indomethacin provides rapid symptom control when disease‑modifying agents are not yet effective.
• Osteoarthritis (OA): the leading cause of disability in adults over 55; NSAIDs such as indomethacin alleviate joint pain and stiffness.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: a form of axial spondyloarthritis that can cause severe back pain; indomethacin reduces inflammatory back pain.
• Acute gout attacks: gout prevalence is rising, with an estimated 2–3 % of UK adults affected; indomethacin is a first‑line oral agent for rapid crystal‑induced inflammation control.
• Bursitis and tendonitis: localized inflammation of bursae or tendons, frequently seen in occupational or sports‑related injuries.
• Post‑operative pain and inflammation: short‑term use after orthopedic surgery can decrease opioid requirements.
• Uveitis and other ocular inflammations: indomethacin eye drops (though less common) are used for anterior uveitis where systemic therapy is warranted.

The drug’s strong anti‑inflammatory potency makes it especially useful when a swift reduction of prostaglandin‑mediated symptoms is clinically important.

Who is Indomethacin For?

Indomethacin is most appropriate for adult patients who need a high‑potency NSAID and for whom other, less‑potent agents have proved inadequate or are contraindicated. Typical candidates include:

• Individuals with moderate‑to‑severe inflammatory arthritis (RA, ankylosing spondylitis, OA) requiring rapid symptom control.
• Patients experiencing an acute gout flare where quick pain relief is essential.
• Post‑operative or post‑traumatic cases where short‑term, high‑intensity anti‑inflammatory therapy is desired.
• Adults with bursitis, tendonitis or other localized musculoskeletal inflammation that does not respond sufficiently to over‑the‑counter NSAIDs.

Indomethacin is not suitable for:

• Anyone with a history of active peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, or severe dyspepsia.
• Patients with significant cardiovascular disease (unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled hypertension).
• Those with advanced renal or hepatic impairment.
• Pregnant women, especially after the 30th week of gestation, due to the risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus.
• Children and adolescents, as safety data are limited and the drug is not routinely licensed for paediatric use in the UK.

Clinical decision‑making must balance the benefits of potent anti‑inflammatory action against the heightened risk profile compared with milder NSAIDs.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Dyspepsia, nausea, or abdominal pain.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Mild rash or pruritus.
• Elevated blood pressure (particularly with chronic use).

Rare

• Photosensitivity reactions (skin rash after sun exposure).
• Elevations in hepatic transaminases (ALT/AST).
• Peripheral oedema.
• Taste disturbances (dysgeusia).

Serious

• Gastro‑intestinal ulceration, bleeding, or perforation.
• Myocardial infarction, stroke, or other thrombo‑embolic events (NSAID‑related cardiovascular risk).
• Acute renal failure or worsening of chronic kidney disease.
• Severe hypersensitivity reactions, including Stevens–Johnson syndrome and anaphylaxis.
• Hepatic necrosis or severe liver injury.

Clinically Relevant Drug–Drug Interactions

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, DOACs): additive bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or corticosteroids: increased gastrointestinal toxicity.
• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or diuretics: may reduce renal perfusion, precipitating renal impairment.
• Lithium: indomethacin can raise serum lithium levels, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate: decreased renal clearance of methotrexate, enhancing toxicity.
• Selective serotonin re‑uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and SNRIs: heightened risk of upper GI bleeding.
• Antihypertensives: NSAIDs may blunt the antihypertensive effect, requiring closer BP monitoring.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to their healthcare professional before starting indomethacin.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard oral dosing for chronic inflammatory arthritis: 25 mg two to three times daily (total 50–75 mg/day).
• Acute gout flares: 25–50 mg three to four times daily for up to 5 days, then taper as symptoms improve.
• Suppository formulation: 100 mg once daily for short‑term control when oral intake is not possible.
• Renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min): reduce total daily dose by 50 % and monitor renal function closely.

Missed dose: If a scheduled dose is forgotten, take it as soon as remembered unless the next dose is due within less than 6 hours; in that case, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not double the dose to compensate.

Overdose: Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and respiratory depression. Management is supportive; activated charcoal may be considered if presentation is early. Seek immediate emergency medical care.

Precautions:

• Take indomethacin with food or a full glass of water to minimise gastric irritation.
• Avoid alcohol, which can increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk.
• Regularly monitor blood pressure, renal function, and liver enzymes during prolonged therapy.
• Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to achieve therapeutic goals.

Buying Indomethacin from Our Online Pharmacy

Indomethacin can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. We specialise in providing verified, high‑quality generic medicines at prices close to the manufacturer’s cost, giving patients an affordable alternative to brand‑name products.

Key benefits of ordering through our service:

• Affordable pricing: Generic indomethacin is offered at a fraction of the retail brand cost, without compromising quality.
• Verified quality: All supplies are sourced from licensed, GMP‑certified manufacturers and undergo strict quality checks before dispatch.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet, reliable shipping – express service typically arrives within 7 days, while standard airmail may take up to 3 weeks.
• International access: As a pharmacy broker, we work with overseas licensed pharmacies to ensure a continuous supply of medicines that may have limited availability locally.
• Privacy‑focused service: Orders are packaged without branding and delivered to a secure, confidential address, respecting patient privacy at every step.

Our online platform is designed for adults who need a convenient, cost‑effective way to obtain indomethacin, especially when conventional pharmacy routes are unavailable or financially restrictive.

FAQ

• Is indomethacin available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The drug is marketed under brand names such as Indocid and Indocin, while the generic version contains the same active compound, indomethacin, and is typically less expensive.

• What is the recommended storage condition for indomethacin tablets?
  Store tablets at room temperature, between 15 °C and 30 °C, in a dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture and heat. Do not keep the medication in the bathroom or near a kitchen sink.

• Can I travel internationally with my indomethacin supply?
  Yes, but keep the medication in its original labelled container, carry a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s note, and ensure it complies with the destination country’s import regulations for personal use.

• Does the formulation of indomethacin differ between the EU and other regions?
  Minor differences may exist in inactive ingredients such as fillers or binders, but the active dose of indomethacin remains identical. European formulations are required to meet EU‑MPA standards for safety and efficacy.

• Are there any special warnings for people of Asian descent using indomethacin?
  No ethnicity‑specific warnings have been issued by the MHRA. However, individuals with a known higher prevalence of certain gastric conditions should be monitored closely when taking any NSAID.

• Will indomethacin affect routine blood tests or drug screening?
  Indomethacin does not typically cause false‑positive results on standard drug screens. It may, however, elevate liver enzymes, which can be noted on liver function tests.

• Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking indomethacin?
  Alcohol increases the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding. Patients are advised to limit or avoid alcohol during treatment, especially at higher doses.

• How does indomethacin compare with older NSAIDs such as aspirin?
  Indomethacin is more potent and has a longer half‑life than aspirin, providing stronger anti‑inflammatory effects but also a higher risk of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects.

• Can indomethacin cause changes in blood pressure?
  Yes. NSAIDs can cause fluid retention and reduce the efficacy of antihypertensive drugs, potentially leading to elevated blood pressure. Regular monitoring is recommended for hypertensive patients.

• What should I do if my indomethacin tablets become discoloured or crumble?
  Do not use medication that appears damaged or altered in appearance. Dispose of the product safely and obtain a fresh supply from a reputable pharmacy.

Glossary

Cyclo‑oxygenase (COX)

An enzyme family (COX‑1 and COX‑2) that converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are mediators of pain, inflammation and fever.

Prostaglandin

Lipid compounds that act locally to promote inflammation, pain perception, and fever; they are the primary target of NSAIDs.

Half‑life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to fall by 50 %; indomethacin’s half‑life is about 4.5 hours in healthy adults.

Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID)

A class of medications that reduce inflammation, relieve pain and lower fever by inhibiting COX enzymes, without containing steroids.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Indomethacin 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 Indomethacin 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.