Description

Indometacin (brand names include: Indocin / Indocid / Inmecin / Indochron E-R / Indocin-SR / Flexin Continus / Indolar / Indomax / Indomod / Pardelprin / Rheumacin / Rimacid / Slo-Indo) is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Indometacin is used to relieve pain and inflammation in a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including various forms of arthritis, gout, muscle sprains and strains, back pain, tendinitis and pain following orthopaedic procedures. It can also be used to relieve period pain.

Indometacin works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Cyclo-oxygenase is involved in the production of various chemicals in the body, some of which are known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases and conditions, and cause pain, swelling and inflammation. Indometacin blocks the production of these prostaglandins and is therefore effective at reducing inflammation and pain.