Indomethacin, a prescription medication, can indeed cause diarrhea as a recognized side effect. Understanding the reasons behind this gastrointestinal reaction and knowing how to manage it is important for individuals using this medication. This article will explore why indomethacin may lead to diarrhea, along with practical steps for addressing this and other potential effects.
Understanding Indomethacin
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is prescribed to alleviate moderate to severe pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It is commonly used for joint pain and stiffness associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Indomethacin also treats pain in the shoulder caused by bursitis or tendinitis, and it addresses acute gouty arthritis.
Why Indomethacin Can Cause Diarrhea
Indomethacin’s mechanism of action involves inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for producing prostaglandins, which play a role in pain, fever, and inflammation. Prostaglandins also perform important functions in the gastrointestinal tract, including protecting its lining and regulating gut motility.
When indomethacin inhibits these protective prostaglandins, it can disrupt the normal balance within the digestive system. This disruption can lead to increased permeability of the intestinal lining, allowing more water to enter the intestines. Changes in prostaglandin levels can also affect gut motility, speeding up the transit of contents through the digestive tract.
Increased water in the intestines and faster transit time contribute to diarrhea. Indomethacin can also irritate the gastrointestinal tract lining, exacerbating symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.
Managing Diarrhea from Indomethacin
Diarrhea from indomethacin can be uncomfortable, but several strategies help manage symptoms. Staying well-hydrated is important to replace fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea. Water, low-sugar fruit juices, salty broths, and electrolyte solutions are good choices for maintaining hydration. Electrolyte solutions can also be beneficial.
Adjusting your diet to include bland, easy-to-digest foods can help soothe your digestive system. Examples include plain potatoes, steamed or baked chicken, lean ground beef, scrambled eggs, and refined grains like pasta, rice, or white bread. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) lacks sufficient nutrients for prolonged use.
Continue taking indomethacin as prescribed unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise. If diarrhea persists or becomes severe, consult your doctor before considering over-the-counter remedies. Taking indomethacin with food can help reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Other Common Effects and Medical Guidance
Other common side effects of indomethacin include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, and constipation. These effects are usually mild and may subside as your body adjusts.
Some side effects require immediate medical attention. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, bloody or black, tar-like stools, or vomit resembling coffee grounds, as these can indicate serious gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers. Signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, one-sided weakness, or slurred speech, also warrant immediate medical evaluation.
Allergic reactions like hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing, require emergency care. Changes in urination, swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, or unusual weakness may signal kidney or heart problems. Yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, or light-colored stools could indicate liver issues. Discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment.