Indomethacin Injection

What is this medication?

INDOMETHACIN (in doe METH a sin) treats a heart defect called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), an opening between blood vessels near the heart in newborn infants. It works by closing the PDA. It belongs to a group of medications called NSAIDs.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Indocin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding problems
• Heart problems
• Infection
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Stomach problems
• An unusual reaction to indomethacin, other NSAIDs, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital.

This medication is for use in newborns.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

• Aspirin and aspirin-like medications
• Certain antibiotics
• Certain medications that prevent or treat blood clots, such as warfarin
• Digoxin
• Diuretics
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your newborn will be monitored carefully while they are receiving this medication.

Your newborn may need blood work while taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Bleeding in the brain—trouble breathing, high-pitched crying, swelling or bulging of soft spots on the head, seizures
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Round red or dark patches on the skin that may itch, burn, and blister

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.