INDOMETHACIN Meaning and
Definition
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Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is mainly used to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling caused by various conditions. It belongs to the class of medications known as selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors.
Indomethacin works by blocking the production of certain substances in the body called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are responsible for triggering pain, inflammation, and fever in response to injury or illness. By inhibiting their production, indomethacin effectively reduces pain and inflammation.
This medication is commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gouty arthritis), joint disease, bursitis, tendonitis, and various types of inflammation. It may also be used to close a patent ductus arteriosus (a heart defect in premature infants) or in certain cases of acute migraines.
Indomethacin is typically available in oral capsule or tablet forms, but it can also be administered rectally in the form of suppositories. It is usually taken with food or milk to minimize stomach upset, as it can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects, including stomach ulcers and bleeding. It is essential to take this medication exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional, and it is typically recommended to start with the lowest effective dose to minimize potential side effects.
As with any medication, there are possible side effects associated with indomethacin, including dizziness, headache, upset stomach, diarrhea, and rash. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or stopping this medication to ensure its safe and appropriate use.
Common Misspellings for INDOMETHACIN
- undomethacin
- jndomethacin
- kndomethacin
- ondomethacin
- 9ndomethacin
- 8ndomethacin
- ibdomethacin
- imdomethacin
- ijdomethacin
- ihdomethacin
- insomethacin
- inxomethacin
- incomethacin
- infomethacin
- inromethacin
- ineomethacin
- indimethacin
- indkmethacin
- indlmethacin
Etymology of INDOMETHACIN
The word "indomethacin" has its roots in the etymology of two parts: "indo-" and "-methacin".
The prefix "indo-" is believed to have been derived from the chemical abbreviation "IND" referring to a research program conducted by the Merck pharmaceutical company in the late 1950s. This program aimed to discover new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). "Indo-" was derived as a shortening of "IND" and became a common prefix for naming compounds discovered within the program.
The suffix "-methacin" is inherited from the broader class of drugs known as "methacins" or "acetic acid derivatives". These compounds share a common structural backbone with acetic acid and typically have anti-inflammatory properties. Methacins were a category of NSAIDs developed during the mid-20th century.
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