Indomethacin: Uses, Side Effects

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Indomethacin works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body.

Indomethacin is used to treat moderate to severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis. Indomethacin is also used to treat shoulder pain caused by bursitis or tendinitis.

Extended-release indomethacin (Indocin SR) should not be used to treat gouty arthritis.

Indomethacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Before taking this medicine

Indomethacin can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, especially if you use it long term or take high doses, or if you have heart disease. Even people without heart disease or risk factors could have a stroke or heart attack while taking this medicine.

Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Indomethacin may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using indomethacin, especially in older adults.

You should not use indomethacin if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

To make sure indomethacin is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you smoke;
  • a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
  • a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding;
  • asthma;
  • liver or kidney disease; or
  • fluid retention.

Taking indomethacin during the last 3 months of pregnancy may harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using indomethacin.

Indomethacin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Indomethacin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 14 years old.

Side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose; wheezing or trouble breathing; hives; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke: chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, feeling short of breath.

Stop using indomethacin and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • changes in your vision;
  • shortness of breath (even with mild exertion);
  • swelling or rapid weight gain;
  • the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
  • signs of stomach bleeding–bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
  • liver problems–nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, flu-like symptoms, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • kidney problems–little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
  • low red blood cells (anemia)–pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or
  • severe skin reaction–fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects may include:

  • upset stomach, nausea, vomiting;
  • diarrhea, constipation;
  • headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
  • feeling tired or depressed; or
  • ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What other drugs will affect indomethacin?

Ask your doctor before using indomethacin if you take an antidepressant such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Taking any of these medicines with an NSAID may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use indomethacin if you are also using any of the following drugs:

  • cyclosporine;
  • lithium;
  • methotrexate;
  • probenecid;
  • a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven);
  • heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or “water pill”; or
  • steroid medicine (such as prednisone).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with indomethacin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.


Keyword: indomethacin.

* The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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