What is Indomethacin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 12, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Indomethacin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex

Generic Names:

  • Indomethacin

Uses:

  • Treats pain. This is an NSAID.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic, Antimigraine, Antipyretic, Antirheumatic, Central Nervous System Agent, Musculoskeletal Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Indomethacin come in

  • Capsule

  • Long Acting Capsule

  • Liquid

What are common Indomethacin doses?

  • Capsule 20MG

  • Capsule 25MG

  • Capsule 50MG

  • Jar 1GM of

  • Bottle 25GM of

Common Indomethacin prescriptions

  • Indomethacin
    20mg capsule

  • Indomethacin
    25mg capsule

  • Indomethacin
    50mg capsule

How to take Indomethacin

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • It is best to take this medicine with food, milk, or antacids so it does not upset your stomach.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open, crush, break, or chew it.

  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake well before using.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Swallow the capsule whole. Do not open, crush, break, or chew it.

  • It is best to take this medicine with food, milk, or antacids so it does not upset your stomach.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake well before using.

Indomethacin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction (including asthma) to indomethacin, aspirin, or other NSAIDs. Do not use it if you have had a heart surgery (such as coronary artery bypass graft).

Indomethacin warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine during the later part of a pregnancy, unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, bleeding problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, or a history of stomach or bowel problems (including bleeding or ulcers), depression, mental illness, epilepsy, or Parkinson disease. Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Higher risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, or heart failureBleeding and ulcers in your stomach or intestinesLiver damageKidney damageSerious skin reactionsChanges in vision

  • Ovulation may be delayed in some women while this medicine is being used. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.

  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Indomethacin interactions

  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Do not use any other NSAID medicine unless your doctor says it is okay. Some other NSAIDs are aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, diflunisal, ibuprofen, naproxen, or salsalate.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how indomethacin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, pemetrexed, or probenecidBlood pressure medicineBlood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat depressionSteroid medicine

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Higher risk of heart attack or strokeBleeding in your stomach or intestinesLiver problemsSerious skin reactionsChanges in vision

Indomethacin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, fainting

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Bloody or black, tarry stools, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Constipation, gas, stomach pain

  • Headache or drowsiness