From the Guidelines
Indocid, a brand name for indomethacin, is not the first-line treatment for acute gout, and corticosteroids should be considered as the initial therapy due to their safety and efficacy, as shown in high-quality evidence 1.
Treatment Overview
Indocid is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain, inflammation, and stiffness caused by conditions like arthritis, gout, bursitis, and tendonitis. The typical adult dosage ranges from 25-50 mg taken 2-3 times daily, with a maximum daily dose of 200 mg. For acute gout attacks, treatment often begins with 50 mg three times daily, then tapers down as symptoms improve.
Key Considerations
- Indocid should be taken with food, milk, or antacids to reduce stomach irritation.
- Common side effects include stomach upset, headache, dizziness, and drowsiness.
- This medication works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that cause inflammation and pain.
- Indocid should be used with caution in patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, or a history of stomach ulcers, and should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
- According to the American College of Physicians guideline, corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and colchicine are effective treatments to reduce pain in patients with acute gout, with corticosteroids being a preferred option due to their safety profile and efficacy 1.
Evidence-Based Recommendation
- Corticosteroids are recommended as the first-line therapy for acute gout, with NSAIDs like indomethacin being an alternative option 1.
- The choice of treatment should be based on the patient's individual needs, medical history, and potential contraindications.
- It is essential to follow the doctor's specific instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment to minimize adverse effects and optimize treatment outcomes.
From the FDA Drug Label
Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that exhibits antipyretic and analgesic properties. The answer to the question about Indocid, which is another name for indomethacin, is that it is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has antipyretic and analgesic properties.
- Key points about indomethacin include:
- It is a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis.
- It is used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and osteoarthritis.
- It does not alter the progressive course of the underlying disease.
- It may enable the reduction of steroid dosage in patients receiving steroids for severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis 2.
From the Research
Indocid Overview
- Indocid, also known as indomethacin, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with potent antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activity 3
- It has been effectively used in the management of mild-to-moderate pain since the mid-1960s, and is commonly prescribed for the relief of acute gouty arthritis pain 3
Comparison with Other NSAIDs
- Indomethacin has been compared with other NSAIDs, such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and diclofenac, in various studies 4, 5, 6
- These studies have shown that indomethacin is as effective as other NSAIDs in reducing pain and inflammation, but may have a higher incidence of adverse events 6
- Naproxen, in particular, has been shown to be better tolerated than indomethacin in some studies 4, 7
Efficacy in Specific Conditions
- Indomethacin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of acute gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and other painful conditions 3, 6
- It has also been compared with other NSAIDs, such as etoricoxib, in the treatment of acute gout, and has been shown to have similar efficacy but a higher incidence of adverse events 6