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Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Indomethacin

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Abstract

Indomethacin (l-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetic acid) is an anti-inflammatory antipyretic drug commonly used for symptomatic relief of pain and stiffness in rheumatic diseases.

Following oral administration the absorption of the drug is rapid and complete, but with important inter- and intraindividual variations. In general, peak plasma concentrations of 2 to 3μg/ml are achieved within 1 to 2 hours, but concomitant ingestion of food reduces and delays the peak concentrations without reducing the amount absorbed. Rectal administration is associated with earlier but lower peak plasma concentrations, incomplete absorption from suppositories, and offers no clinical advantages when compared with equivalent oral dosage. In plasma at least 90% of indomethacin is bound to albumin at therapeutic plasma concentrations. Indomethacin is distributed into the synovial fluid, is excreted in human breast milk and crosses the placenta in significant amounts. It is metabolised to O-desmethylindomethacin, N-deschlorobenzoylindomethacin and O-desmethyl-N-deschlorobenzoylindomethacin, which are devoid of anti-inflammatory activity and are present in significant amounts in the plasma.

About 60% of an oral dose is excreted in the urine predominantly in glucuronidated form, while about 40% is excreted in the faeces after biliary secretion. A large amount of the dose undergoes biliary recycling. The biotransformation is independent of the route of administration. A 2-compartment open model with correction for biliary recycling can be used to describe the disposition of indomethacin. The drug has a biological half-life of about 5 to 10 hours and a plasma clearance of 1 to 2.5ml/kg/min. In premature infants the half-life of indomethacin is inversely correlated with gestational age and is significantly prolonged as compared with adults. Renal failure does not affect the serum concentrations of indomethacin. Probenecid results in increased plasma concentrations of indomethacin with enhanced pain relief without increasing the incidence of side effects. There seem to be no significant pharmacokinetic interactions between indomethacin and aspirin or warfarin.

To date it has not been possible to identify a relationship between the clinical effects and plasma concentration of indomethacin.

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  1. Department of Physical Medicine T2002, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital, 18 Tagenovej, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Lars Helleberg

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Helleberg, L. Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Indomethacin. Clin Pharmacokinet 6, 245–258 (1981). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003088-198106040-00001

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