Indomethacin
Description
Indomethacin is a painkiller medicine that is used in reducing mild to moderate pain and swelling in conditions like osteoarthritis (wearing off of the flexible tissues of your bone), rheumatoid arthritis (pain and swelling in joints), gout (deposition of crystals between your joints), and ankylosing spondylitis (fusion of small bones in your spine).
Indomethacin works by blocking the release of a specific chemical substance known as prostaglandin, responsible for pain and swelling. This medicine comes in oral (tablet, capsule and suspension), suppository and topical (gels) dosage forms. Your doctor will decide the dose, duration and dosage form based on the severity and location of the pain.
Indomethacin has some side effects like stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, indigestion, and heartburn. However, these side effects can be prevented by taking the medication with milk or a meal. Inform your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen. Avoid taking this medicine if you have been allergic to it.
Indomethacin may cause dizziness, drowsiness or visual disturbances. Therefore, it is advisable not to drive vehicles or do anything that requires concentration. Alcohol intake is not recommended as it may result in side effects such as dizziness and stomach and/or intestinal bleeding.
Indomethacin may react with other medications. Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking because they may affect or be affected by this medication. Inform your doctor if you have a history of ulcers or have undergone bypass surgery or have any problems related to your heart, kidneys, or liver.
Indomethacin is unsafe for use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Hence, consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Indomethacin
- Acid or sour stomach
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Fever with chills
- Skin rash
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Constipation
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
- Visual disturbances
Uses of Indomethacin
What is it prescribed for?
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Acute Gout
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionIndomethacin start showing its effect within 1 hour and may vary based on the dosage form.
- Duration of effectThe effect of Indomethacin lasts for an average duration of 4 to 6 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while receiving Indomethacin due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Is it habit forming?Indomethacin has no habit forming tendency.
- Usage in pregnancy?Indomethacin is not advisable for pregnant women, especially in the 3rd trimester as it may affect your foetus. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risk.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Indomethacin is known to pass into the breastmilk. It should not be used in breastfeeding women as it may affect your infant. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
Allergy
It is advisable to avoid Indomethacin if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have a known allergy to painkillers or any other proteolytic enzymes. If you experience any symptoms such as skin rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, and anaphylactic shock (a severe form of allergy), seek immediate medical treatment.
Asthma
Asthma is a disorder in which the airways in your lungs constrict and swell, increasing mucus production. Indomethacin is not recommended for use if there is a known history of NSAID-sensitive asthma. This medicine can cause narrowing of your airway and result in a breathing problem which can worsen your condition.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery is a surgical procedure that increases blood flow to your heart. Indomethacin is not recommended for use if you have recently undergone a heart surgery as it increases the chances of heart attack or stroke (a condition where blood supply to part of your brain is reduced).
Peptic Ulcer
A peptic ulcer is an open sore that occurs on the inner lining of your stomach and the upper region of your small intestine. Indomethacin is not recommended for use in people with peptic ulcers as this medicine acts by blocking the action of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins protect against harmful chemicals in the gastric lining. As the release of prostaglandins is blocked by this medicine there are chances of bleeding and worsening of your condition. Inform your doctor if you have a history of ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Indomethacin is not advisable for pregnant women, especially in the 3rd trimester as it may affect your foetus. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risk.
Breast-feeding
Indomethacin is known to pass into the breastmilk. It should not be used in breastfeeding women as it may affect your infant. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while taking this medicine.
General warnings
Gastro-intestinal bleeding
Indomethacin may cause severe bleeding or a hole in the linings of your digestive tract upon prolonged usage. These adverse events may occur with or without any warning or symptoms. This risk is especially higher in the elderly population and if there is a history of gastrointestinal diseases.
Skin rash
Indomethacin may result in skin allergy that includes rashes and other allergy symptoms. In such cases, it is advisable to report to your doctor as soon as possible.
Hypertension
Indomethacin should be used with caution if you have hypertension (increased blood pressure) as it may reduce the effect of anti-hypertensive medicines.
Heart disease
Indomethacin should be used with caution in the presence of heart problems due to the increased risk of side effects on your heart, especially after prolonged use. Your doctor may monitor your heart function while you are taking this medicine.
Elderly population
Indomethacin should be used with caution in the elderly population due to an increase in the risk of undesired side effects. Your doctor may monitor your kidney function and symptoms of bleeding while you are taking this medicine.
Driving or operating machine
Use of Indomethacin may cause drowsiness, visual disturbances, fatigue, dizziness, etc. It is advised that you do not perform activities such as driving vehicles or operating machines if you experience any of these symptoms.
Missed Dose
If you missed a Indomethacin dose, make sure that you remember to take your next dose on time. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical treatment or contact your doctor in case you suspect an overdose of Indomethacin.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while receiving Indomethacin due to the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Interaction with Medicine
Methotrexate
Warfarin
Corticosteroids
Antihypertensives
Disease interactions
Fluid Retention and edema
Fluid Retention and oedema are swelling of the lower layer of skin caused by excessive fluid trapped beneath your body tissues. The use of painkillers has been associated with fluid retention and oedema. In individuals with preexisting fluid retention, hypertension (increased blood pressure), or a history of heart failure, Indomethacin should be used with caution.
Anaemia
Indomethacin should be used with caution in case of anaemia due to the increased risk of low haemoglobin levels.
Kidney Disease
Indomethacin should be used with caution in people with a history of any kidney problems as this medicine gets accumulated in the impaired kidneys.
Gastro-intestinal disease
Gastrointestinal toxicity symptoms are nausea, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pain, etc. Indomethacin may cause damage to your stomach, intestines, liver, etc., especially on prolonged use. Consult your doctor if there are any symptoms, such as indigestion, blood in your stool or vomit.
Liver Disease
Indomethacin should be used with caution in case of liver damage as this medicine gets accumulated in the impaired liver.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Indomethacin tablet/capsule with food or milk to prevent an upset stomach.
Take it as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.
Long term use may lead to complications such as stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
It may cause dizziness, drowsiness or visual disturbances.
Use caution while driving vehicles or doing anything that requires concentration.
Your doctor may regularly monitor your kidney function, liver function and levels of blood components if you are taking this medicine for long-term treatment.
Do not open, crush or chew the capsule in your mouth.
Suppository: Gently put the Indomethacin suppository as far as it can go without feeling uncomfortable. Lie down for a few minutes such that the medicine can be absorbed well. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Gel: Apply a thin film of Indomethacin and massage it to spread it uniformly.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Indomethacin works by reducing the formation of chemical substances known as prostaglandins in your body that causes pain and swelling.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents
Schedule
Schedule H
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Indomethacin. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 August 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 August 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Indometacin Capsules BP 25mg - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 August 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 30 August 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 20 Sep 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.