Indomethacin side effects can be related to gastrointestinal irritation, allergies, strain on the kidneys or liver, and other actions of this medication. This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, usually prescribed to manage pain in patients. Patients who experience severe side effects should stop taking the drug and consult a doctor to discuss some alternatives, and adverse reactions should be noted in the patient's chart so it will not be prescribed again.
Some indomethacin side effects are the result of an allergic reaction to the drug. Patients can experience numbness, tingling, swelling, difficulty breathing, hives, and skin reactions. Allergies usually onset very rapidly and can be severe with future doses. If patients experience signs of an allergic reaction after taking a dose, they should not use the medication again without consulting a doctor.
This drug is also known to irritate the mucus membrane inside the intestinal tract. Indomethacin side effects can include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, heartburn, and diarrhea. More seriously, it may lead to internal bleeding and ulcers. Patients who notice blood in their stool, become anemic, or feel faint and unwell may want to be evaluated to see if the drug has caused internal bleeding, especially if they have been taking it for a long time.
Like other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, this medication is also linked with cardiovascular events including heart attacks and strokes. People with a history of clotting disorders may not be good candidates for indomethacin. Indomethacin side effects can also involve changes in blood chemistry, such as spikes in calcium and sodium, along with high blood pressure. This can lead to liver and kidney damage as the body attempts to cope with the medication. Vertigo, dizziness, changes to the skin, and changes to the color of the urine are all signs of these serious indomethacin side effects.
Patients taking this medication are screened carefully first to make sure it is a good treatment option for them. If it appears to be, the doctor should discuss side effects and make special note of dangerous warning signs like fainting, feeling dizzy, and noticing blood in the urine or feces. Patients taking this and other medications should carry a card noting their medications and doses, as this may be useful for first responders in a medical emergency. As with any medication, it is advisable to ask the doctor why the medication is being prescribed, how it should be used, and if there are any special warnings or contraindications.