Indometacin

1 medicine

Indometacin is a potent NSAID used for arthritis, gout and other inflammatory pain; it carries a higher risk than most NSAIDs of stomach bleeding, heart attack, stroke, headache and dizziness, and must be avoided late in pregnancy.

Indocin

Indometacin

25/50/75mg

Indocin is a painkillers medication containing Indometacin, available as 25/50/75mg tablets.

from $0.32 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Indometacin, also spelled indomethacin, is a strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gout flares, and period pain.
  • It is taken by mouth or given as a suppository, usually with food or milk, and it begins easing pain and swelling within a few hours.
  • Indometacin carries a higher risk than most other NSAIDs of stomach and intestinal bleeding, heart attack, stroke, and effects on the brain such as severe headache and dizziness. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time you need it.
  • Seek urgent care for black or bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, chest pain, sudden weakness on one side of the body, or a severe headache with vision changes.

What indometacin treats

Indometacin treats moderate to severe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute bursitis or tendinitis, and acute gout flares, as well as period pain. A specific intravenous form is also used in premature newborns to help close a patent ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel near the heart that should close shortly after birth.

How indometacin works

Indometacin blocks cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), lowering the body's production of prostaglandins, chemicals responsible for pain, swelling and fever. It blocks COX-1 strongly, which also reduces the protective mucus lining of the stomach. This is a key reason indometacin causes gastrointestinal side effects more often than many other NSAIDs.

Before you take it

  • Avoid indometacin if you have a history of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, or if you are already taking another NSAID, aspirin, a blood thinner, or a corticosteroid.
  • Avoid it in the last trimester of pregnancy; it can cause premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus and reduce amniotic fluid.
  • Tell your prescriber about heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, asthma, or a previous stroke.
  • Older adults and anyone on long-term treatment need extra caution, since the risks of bleeding and cardiovascular events rise with age and duration of use.

Side effects

Common effects include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, indigestion and nausea. Effects on the brain, such as headache and dizziness, occur more often with indometacin than with most other NSAIDs.

Seek urgent care for:

  • Black or tarry stools, or vomiting blood.
  • Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath.
  • Sudden weakness, slurred speech, or facial drooping.
  • Severe stomach pain, swelling of the legs, or rapid weight gain.
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Safety essentials

  • Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed. Long-term or high-dose use raises the risk of serious stomach bleeding, heart attack and stroke, which can occur suddenly with no warning symptoms.
  • Avoid indometacin entirely in the last trimester of pregnancy because of risks to the unborn baby's heart and kidney function.
  • Do not combine it with other NSAIDs or aspirin unless a doctor has told you to, and always take it with food or milk to reduce stomach irritation.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.