Arthrexin (Indometacin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Arthrexin Used For?
Arthrexin contains indometacin and belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation in various conditions.
Primary Uses
Arthrexin is used to treat different types of arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative joint disease of the hip), gout, muscle and bone injuries (such as sprains, strains, low back pain and tennis elbow), pain and swelling after setting broken or dislocated bones, and menstrual cramps (period pain).
How It Works
Although Arthrexin can relieve the symptoms of pain and inflammation, it will not cure your condition. It works by reducing inflammation, swelling, redness and soreness in affected areas.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Arthrexin is addictive.
How to Take Arthrexin
Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your condition and how you respond to treatment. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is between 50mg and 200mg per day, given in divided doses. For menstrual cramps, the typical dose is one 25mg capsule every eight hours, starting when bleeding or cramps begin. Elderly patients may need smaller doses. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water. Take with or immediately after food to help reduce stomach problems. You may also take with milk or an antacid if advised by your doctor.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Otherwise, take the capsule as soon as you remember, then continue with your normal schedule. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. This may increase your chance of getting unwanted side effects.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- stomach upset or pain, nausea, vomiting, cramps, loss of appetite
- heartburn or indigestion
- constipation or diarrhea
- hearing disturbances such as buzzing or ringing in ears
- headache, dizziness, light-headedness
- tiredness
- mood changes such as depression, anxiety or irritability
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe stomach pain or tenderness
- fast or irregular heartbeats
- signs of anemia (tiredness, shortness of breath, looking pale)
- unusual weight gain or swelling of ankles or legs
- bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- dark colored or cloudy urine
- difficulty urinating
- eye problems such as blurred vision
- signs of frequent infections
- vomiting blood or coffee-ground material
- bleeding from back passage or black sticky bowel motions
- severe dizziness or fainting
- seizures or fits
- chest pain or tightness
- allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, tongue, wheezing, shortness of breath, severe itching)
Important Warnings
There are several important situations where Arthrexin should not be used, and conditions that require special monitoring.
Who Should Not Take Arthrexin
Do not take Arthrexin if you are allergic to indometacin, aspirin, other NSAID medicines or any ingredients; have an active peptic ulcer or history of multiple peptic ulcers; have severe heart failure; recently had heart bypass surgery; have severe liver failure; are vomiting blood or have bloody/black stools; experience asthma, hives or rash with aspirin or other NSAIDs; are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding; or if the medicine is expired or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have heartburn, stomach problems, bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, history of stroke, swelling problems, bleeding disorders, diabetes, psychiatric problems, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, eye disease, or any current infections. Arthrexin may hide signs of infection.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Arthrexin if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The safety during pregnancy has not been established and it may affect your developing baby. It may also have a reversible effect on fertility. Do not take while breastfeeding as the active ingredient passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.
Elderly Patients: Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects or side effects of this medicine and may need smaller doses.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Arthrexin and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
- aspirin, salicylates or other NSAID medicines (e.g. ibuprofen or diflunisal)
- anticoagulants such as warfarin
- cardiac glycosides such as digoxin
- lithium
- probenecid
- diuretics (fluid or water tablets)
- blood pressure medicines including ACE inhibitors, betablockers, or thiazide diuretics
- decongestants
- ciclosporin
- methotrexate
- corticosteroids
- mifepristone
- quinolone antibiotics and vancomycin
- gold preparations
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful with alcohol and driving while taking Arthrexin as it may cause dizziness or light-headedness.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol, the dizziness or light-headedness caused by Arthrexin may be worse.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Arthrexin affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness or light-headedness in some people. If this occurs, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous.
Storage
Keep capsules in their original pack until time to take them. Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is ideal.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Arthrexin, urgent medical attention is needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no symptoms. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, intense headache, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, numbness or fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes to work depends on your condition. For arthritis, it should be taken daily as prescribed to control pain, swelling and stiffness. For sprains and strains, it’s usually only needed for a few days. For gout, it can be stopped when symptoms subside.
Yes, you should take Arthrexin with or immediately after food. It may also be taken with milk or an antacid if advised by your doctor, as this can help reduce stomach upset and bowel problems.
No, there is no evidence that Arthrexin is addictive.
Do not stop taking your medicine or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor first. Continue taking it for as long as your doctor tells you to, which may be a few days, weeks, or longer depending on your condition.
If you drink alcohol while taking Arthrexin, the dizziness or light-headedness that the medicine may cause could be worse.
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects or side effects of Arthrexin and may need smaller doses. If you are over 65 years of age, you may have an increased chance of getting side effects.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and continue normally. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.