How should Indomethacin be administered to reduce gastrointestinal distress?

Indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can cause gastrointestinal irritation and distress as a common side effect. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to administer Indomethacin with food. Taking the medication alongside food helps buffer the stomach lining against the drug's potentially irritating effects. It can also promote better absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or abdominal pain.

Administration on an empty stomach may enhance the risk of irritation, as the drug can more directly contact the stomach lining without the protective barrier that food provides. Although taking it with a full glass of water can be beneficial for ensuring the medication is swallowed properly and may help protect the esophagus, it does not address the irritation issue in the stomach itself. Taking Indomethacin prior to meals might have a similar effect to taking it on an empty stomach, increasing the likelihood of gastrointestinal distress. Therefore, the most effective method to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort while taking Indomethacin is to administer it with food.