Indomethacin (C19H16ClNO4) is a common chemical in manufacturing, but long-term exposure can cause serious health effects for workers. This article will provide detailed information on the health impacts of indomethacin and the necessary protective measures in the workplace.
1. What is Indomethacin?
The chemical formula C19H16ClNO4 represents a complex chemical compound, primarily used in the pharmaceutical field. It is a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), often prescribed to treat inflammatory conditions, especially arthritis. This chemical has the ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby reducing the production of prostaglandins, which are intermediates that cause inflammation and pain in the body.
The molecular structure of indomethacin consists of 19 carbon atoms, 16 hydrogen atoms, 1 chlorine atom, 1 nitrogen atom, and 4 oxygen atoms. It is a complex molecule, with ester, indole, and benzene functional groups, which enhance the drug’s pharmacological effectiveness. Indomethacin is widely used in medicine to relieve pain, reduce fever, and fight inflammation, but it can also cause some side effects if not used correctly.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Indomethacin | Indomethacine | 29339990 | 53-86-1 | C19H16ClNO4 |
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2. Where does Indomethacin originate from in the production process?
During the production process, indomethacin is not a naturally occurring chemical but is a product synthesized from chemical reactions. The production of indomethacin begins with the use of basic raw materials, including organic compounds containing carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and characteristic chemical functional groups. These synthesis steps take place under strictly controlled conditions of temperature, pressure, and reaction time.
The synthesis process usually starts by creating intermediate compounds, which may be derivatives of benzoic acid, acetic acid, or reducing agents. Then, through chemical reactions such as the Friedel-Crafts reaction, alkylation, and other complex processes, these molecules are combined to create the structure of indomethacin.

3. Industries that use Indomethacin in production
Indomethacin is used primarily in the pharmaceutical industry, especially in the production of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic drugs. However, outside the pharmaceutical field, some other industries may also use this compound in their production processes, although not as commonly as in medicine. Drug and pharmaceutical manufacturing plants are the main consumers of indomethacin, where these compounds are synthesized into tablets, capsules, or injectable forms.
In addition, some chemical industries may use indomethacin in the research and development of new compounds or in the production of similar chemicals for anti-inflammatory and analgesic purposes. These plants typically require strict safety measures because indomethacin can cause adverse health effects for workers upon long-term exposure.
Although it is not a common chemical in other manufacturing industries, the use of indomethacin is still present in some scientific research processes or pilot production at chemical and pharmaceutical research facilities.
4. How does Indomethacin affect workers?
Long-term exposure to indomethacin in the workplace can cause many serious health effects for workers. When in direct contact with this chemical, especially in manufacturing plants, workers may experience negative effects such as skin irritation, stomach ulcers, digestive disorders, and even liver and kidney damage.
Studies show that without proper protective measures, inhaling the dust or vapor of indomethacin can cause respiratory problems, including pneumonia or asthma. In addition, workers with long-term exposure to indomethacin may have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, as the drug can affect blood pressure and increase the risk of blood clot formation.
Besides physical problems, workers may also experience psychological side effects such as stress, anxiety, and reduced ability to concentrate at work.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Indomethacin for human exposure
Determining the safe concentration of indomethacin for human exposure is a crucial factor in protecting workers’ health in the production environment. Studies and safety guidelines from international health agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), all recommend that the concentration of indomethacin in the air and in the work environment must be strictly controlled.
For workers, the maximum concentration of indomethacin in the air needs to be maintained at a low level to avoid adverse health effects. Studies show that long-term exposure to high concentrations of indomethacin can lead to problems with the respiratory system, skin, and internal organs. Although there is no single official concentration level for all cases, experts recommend that companies and production facilities should implement measures to minimize emissions and ensure adequate ventilation in the work area.

At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to adhere to safety standards and limit exposure to Indomethacin. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the impact of Indomethacin on workers’ health
To minimize the impact of indomethacin on workers’ health, preventive and protective measures are essential during the production process. One of the most important measures is to control the work environment, especially by ensuring adequate ventilation and maintaining the concentration of indomethacin in the air at a safe level. Dust extraction and air filtration systems can help remove dust particles and drug vapors that may be generated during production, minimizing workers’ exposure to this chemical.
In addition to improving the work environment, providing personal protective equipment is a crucial factor in protecting workers. Protective gear such as gloves, masks, safety glasses, and body protection helps prevent direct contact with indomethacin, minimizing the risk of skin irritation or inhalation of toxic dust particles. Especially in manufacturing plants, it is necessary to require workers to use personal protective equipment correctly and regularly.
Training and raising awareness among workers is also an important measure to reduce the negative impacts of indomethacin. Workers need to be trained on the health risks associated with this chemical, as well as how to use protective measures correctly. In addition, organizing regular health check-up programs for workers helps to detect early signs of abnormalities, allowing for timely treatment and limiting long-term health effects.
Finally, compliance with chemical safety regulations and guidelines issued by health agencies and the government is very important. Factories need to have strict quality control procedures and apply effective preventive measures to protect the health of workers when working with indomethacin.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper compliance with safety rules.
Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, and thereby adjust to reduce hazard levels to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in monitoring and measuring the quality of the working environment across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measuring equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, handling, and tracking issues related to the occupational environment. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center focuses on customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in techniques, technology, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide our customers with the best and most suitable solutions possible.
- With a team of experienced and specialized Masters and Engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.

- By choosing the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. You will also receive the best cost incentives.
8. Quotation for Occupational Environment Monitoring
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring quotation provides detailed information on the pricing of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Customers can be completely assured of the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide consultation and answer any questions about our monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.

