Definition
The drug indomethacin belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Indomethacin is mainly used to treat rheumatic diseases.
Mode of action of Indometacin
Indomethacin inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which inhibits the formation of prostaglandins: Prostaglandins are substances that play a decisive role in the body in mediating pain, fever and inflammation, among other things. In addition, prostaglandins play an important role in triggering labour pains and in regulating the composition of the gastric juice. A reduced concentration of prostaglandins explains the pain-reducing (analgesic), fever-lowering (antipyretic) and anti-inflammatory (antiphlogistic) effect of indomethacin.
Indomethacin also inhibits the mobility of certain white blood cells (leukocytes). This also inhibits inflammatory activity, which explains why it is used in gout attacks. Other active ingredients from the group of NSAIDs also exert their effect similar to indomethacin by inhibiting cyclooxygenase.
These include: Aspirin salicylic acid, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, meloxicam, phenylbutazone, celecoxib, and many others.
- Prostaglandins are substances that play a decisive role in the body in mediating pain, fever and inflammation, among other things. In addition, prostaglandins play an important role in triggering labour pains and in regulating the composition of the gastric juice.
- A reduced concentration of prostaglandins explains the pain-reducing (analgesic), antipyretic (antipyretic) and anti-inflammatory (antiphlogistic) effects of indomethacin.
Fields of application
The active ingredient indomethacin can be used as a tablet, infusion or suppository. The full effect occurs after about 2 hours and lasts for about 4-5 hours. Indomethacin in ointment form can also be used externally.
Indomethacin is usually available in a dosage of 50mg. Adults can take 1 to 3 tablets per day. A maximum dose of 200mg per day should not be exceeded. Indomethacin can be used for example: Gout attack
- For fever
- For pain
- For rheumatic diseases (for inflammation inhibition and pain relief): e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis
- At the attack of gout
