Health Library

Indomethacin (By mouth)

Indomethacin (in-doe-METH-a-sin)

Treats pain. This is an NSAID.

Brand Name(s):

Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

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

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• 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 probenecid
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat depression
  • Steroid medicine

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• 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 failure
  • Bleeding and ulcers in your stomach or intestines
  • Liver damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Changes 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.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• 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
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, fainting
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, gas, stomach pain
• Headache or drowsiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024