Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 29, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Indocin
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder for Solution
Therapeutic Class: Analgesic
Pharmacologic Class: NSAID
Chemical Class: Acetic Acid (class)
Uses for indomethacin
Indomethacin injection is used to treat patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants (babies born too early) who weigh between 500 and 1750 grams. PDA is a heart problem where a blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, fails to close normally after birth. This blood vessel is only used before birth, and is no longer needed after the baby is born. Indomethacin injection works by causing the PDA to constrict, and this closes the blood vessel. Indomethacin is used when other medical treatment for PDA fails after 48 hours.
Indomethacin is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using indomethacin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For indomethacin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to indomethacin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of indomethacin injection in premature babies.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of indomethacin injection in geriatric patients.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may b...
