Indomethacin (By injection)
in-doe-METH-a-sin
Used in premature babies born with heart disease such as patent ductus arteriosus.
Drug classes
Analgesic, Central Nervous System Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Indomethacin injection is used to treat patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants (babies born too early) who weigh between 500 and 1750 grams. PDA is a heart problem where a blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, fails to close normally after birth. This blood vessel is only used before birth, and is no longer needed after the baby is born. Indomethacin injection works by causing the PDA to constrict, and this closes the blood vessel. This medicine is used when other medical treatment for PDA fails after 48 hours.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
This medicine is given to your child through a needle placed in one of the veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Make sure your child’s doctor knows all the medicines your child is receiving such as furosemide (Lasix®), digitalis (Digitek®, Lanoxin®) or medicines to treat an infection such as amikacin or gentamicin.
When Not To Use
Your child should not receive this medicine if he or she has had an allergic reaction to indomethacin, or if your child has an untreated infection, kidney problems, or certain intestinal problems or bleeding problems. Your child should not receive this medicine if he or she has congenital heart disease such as pulmonary atresia, severe tetralogy of Fallot, or severe coarctation of the aorta.
Warnings
Make sure your doctor knows if your child has kidney disease, a bleeding disorder, or bleeding in the brain, stomach, or intestines.
Make sure your child’s doctor knows if your child has any infection or liver disease.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Blood in your child’s stools.
Bluish-colored skin.
Decrease in number of wet diapers each day.
Drowsiness or seizures.
Severe vomiting or bloated belly.
Trouble breathing.
Uneven or slow heart beat.
Unusual bleeding, or bruising.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild vomiting.
Mild skin rash.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Indocin, NovaPlus Indomethacin, PremierPro Rx Indomethacin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
