Indomethacin

Indometacin (or Indomethacin) is a NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) commonly used to reduce fever, pain, stiffness, and swelling - all of which are classic symptoms of an acute gout attack.

Indometacin inhibits the body's production of prostaglandins, which are molecules which cause the symptoms of gout - namely the swelling and inflammation. These in turn cause the pain, stiffness and sometimes fever. 

Indometacin is sold under various trade names, including Indocin, Indocid, Indochron E-R, and Indocin-SR.

In its most common form it is sold as tablets or capsules of 25 mg. or 50mg., but injections, patches, syrup and even suppositories are sometimes used.  

Indometacin should only ever be taken under doctor's orders since it can mask the symptoms of several serious diseases. Too much Indomethacin can cause kidney damage, or even worse.

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