Indomethacin: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is a prescription medicine used for gout attacks, arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and period pain. In Pakistan it is available as capsules, tablets and injections, made by 9 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Indomethacin works
Indomethacin blocks the COX enzymes that produce prostaglandins, the chemicals responsible for pain, swelling and fever at inflamed joints. It is a particularly potent prostaglandin blocker, which helps explain both its effectiveness in gout and its higher rate of side effects.
What is Indomethacin used for?
Indomethacin is used to relieve pain, swelling and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, and is a common choice for easing an acute attack of gout. It is also used for painful periods and other muscle and joint pain. Because it is one of the stronger NSAIDs, it is usually taken for the shortest time needed to control symptoms.
Side effects of Indomethacin
Headache and stomach upset are the problems people notice most often with Indomethacin. Common side effects include:
- Headache, which can be marked
- Indigestion, heartburn or stomach pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhoea
Stop taking it and see a doctor urgently if you pass black or bloody stools, vomit blood, have chest pain, or develop swelling of the face or difficulty breathing. Also report blurred vision, confusion or a marked drop in the amount of urine you pass.
Precautions and warnings
- Take it with food or milk to help protect the stomach, and do not take more than prescribed.
- Tell your doctor if you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, depression, or kidney or liver problems.
- Avoid other NSAID painkillers, and check first if you take blood thinners, lithium, methotrexate, steroids or blood pressure medicines.
- It can cause dizziness or drowsiness, so do not drive until you know how it affects you.
- Avoid it in late pregnancy and ask your doctor before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions about Indomethacin
What is the price of Indomethacin in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Indomethacin products currently in stock range from Rs 9 to Rs 3,214 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Epomet 25mg Capsule at Rs 9. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Indomethacin are available in Pakistan?
Indomethacin is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Epomet (Epoch), Methacid (Unexo), Liometacen (Chiesi Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Indomethacin (China), Indobid (Adamjee Pharmaceuticals Ltd.), Indigo (Irza), Matindol (Isis) and Methacil (Mediceena), along with 1 more brands listed below.Do I need a prescription for Indomethacin?
Yes. Indomethacin is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Indomethacin be used during pregnancy?
Avoid it in late pregnancy and ask your doctor before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Are all Indomethacin brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Indomethacin in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Indomethacin brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 11 products containing Indomethacin from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
