Can indomethacin be used for pericarditis?

Indomethacin is the classic treatment used in pericarditis and is often considered the first choice. This drug is rapidly absorbed, and it is metabolized in the liver by demethylation, deacetylation, and glucuronide conjugation. Although, indomethacin ameliorates fever, it does not accelerate resolution of effusion.

Why do you give colchicine for pericarditis?

Colchicine is an underutilized therapy for pericarditis and provides significant benefit when combined with NSAIDs/ASA. Addition of colchicine to standard therapy results in earlier reduction in pericarditis symptoms, greater remission at 1 week, and reduces the rate of recurrent pericarditis.

Does colchicine help pericarditis?

Colchicine has since been the focus of many observational and randomized studies for pericardial diseases. In fact, it is now a class IA medication to treat acute and recurrent pericarditis. Despite the gastrointestinal possible side-effects, colchicine is considered a safe anti-inflammatory drug.

Can you go to work with pericarditis?

In conclusion, pericarditis is a common inflammatory condition of the pericardium with multiple etiologies. Current guidelines recommend restriction of intense physical activity and return to activity once there is no evidence of active inflammation.

How bad does pericarditis hurt?

Chest pain is the most common symptom of pericarditis. It usually feels sharp or stabbing. However, some people have dull, achy or pressure-like chest pain. The pain usually occurs behind the breastbone or in the left side of your chest.

When to discontinue indomethacin treatment for pericarditis?

Only one patient required pericardiocentesis. On every occasion when treatment was discontinued during the first week, symptoms recurred. After three weeks to four months, the drug dosage could be tapered and discontinued. The pericardial aspirate was hemorrhagic in all three patients who required pericardiocentesis.

How is colchicine used to treat acute pericarditis?

Several small studies have noted successful use of colchicine to prevent recurrence of acute pericarditis after failure of conventional treatment, especially in idiopathic cases.One report found marked improvement following corticosteroid therapy in a patient with refractory uremic pleuropericarditis.

What are the side effects of colchicine compared to indomethacin?

The risk of stomach-related and cardiovascular side effects may be higher with indomethacin than that seen with… Commonly reported side effects include: diarrhea, and nausea. See the full colchicine side effects document.

What was the ICAP trial for acute pericarditis?

Colchicine Evidence. The Investigation on Colchicine for Acute Pericarditis (ICAP) was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial of 240 adult patients with acute pericarditis. 28 The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of colchicine in treating a first attack of acute pericarditis and preventing recurrences.