Indomethacin

(in doe METH a sin)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug may raise the chance of ulcers or bleeding from the stomach or bowel. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Sometimes drugs are not safe when your child takes them with other drugs. They can cause bad side effects. This is one of those drugs. Be sure to talk to your child’s doctor about all the drugs your child takes.
• Please read the medication guide.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to indomethacin or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Shot: Not if your child has any of these health problems: Bleeding problems, infection, bowel problems, low platelet count, or very bad kidney disease.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to ease pain, swelling, and fever.
• It is used to treat arthritis.
• It is used to treat patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

How does this drug work?

• Indomethacin blocks chemicals that cause pain and swelling.
• It lowers fever by changing the body's thermostat in the brain.
• It tightens the muscle to close the PDA.

How is this drug given?

• Give this drug with food to stop an upset stomach.
• There is a liquid (suspension) if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Children who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• Use suppository rectally.
• Arthritis:
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss giving your child doses.
• Give as you have been told, even if your child is feeling better.
• Shot:
• It is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.
• Your child may start feeling better a few weeks after starting this drug for arthritis.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• All products:
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with the doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Oral:
• If your child has asthma, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has high blood pressure, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has had an ulcer or bleeding from the stomach or bowel, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has a weak heart, talk with the doctor.
• Your child may bleed more easily. Have him/her be more careful and avoid injury. Wear a bike helmet, for example, while riding a bike.
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that your child is using this drug.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Headache.
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Hard stools (constipation). Drinking more liquids, working out, or adding fiber to your diet may help. Talk with your doctor about a stool softener or laxative.
• Shot:
• Skin irritation.
• Long stops between breaths.
• Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has very bad belly pain.
• If your child has swelling in his/her feet or hands.
• If your child has a big weight gain.
• If your child has black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• If your child has low blood sugar.
• If your child has blood in the urine.
• If your child has very loose stools (diarrhea).
• If your child has any bruising or bleeding.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Capsule:
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Liquid:
• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Suppository:
• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Shot:
• The shot will be given to your child in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.