What it is used for
- Acute gout attacks
- Pain and inflammation from arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis
- Painful joint and tendon inflammation
- Some types of severe inflammatory pain
How it works
Indomethacin strongly inhibits the COX enzymes that produce prostaglandins, giving powerful relief of inflammation and pain. Its potency makes it useful for conditions like acute gout.
How it is taken
Available as capsules (including modified-release), oral suspension and suppositories. Take it exactly as your doctor or the label directs, usually with or after food. It is a prescription medicine and tends to have more side effects than milder NSAIDs, so it is used under medical supervision.
No doses here on purpose. The right strength and schedule depend on you — only a doctor or pharmacist should set them. Always follow your prescription and the label.
Common side effects
- Indigestion, stomach pain or nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Drowsiness
Serious effects — get help
- Stomach or gut bleeding or ulcers (black stools, vomiting blood, severe abdominal pain)
- Heart attack or stroke warning signs
- Serious allergic reaction or asthma flare
- Confusion, severe headache or vision changes
- Signs of kidney or liver problems
If a reaction is severe — for example trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or collapse — go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number. Do not wait for an online consultation.
Interactions to watch
- Other NSAIDs and aspirin
- Blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs
- Some blood pressure medicines and diuretics
- Lithium and methotrexate
- Corticosteroids and SSRIs (bleeding risk)
- Alcohol
Who should take care
- Avoided in late pregnancy; use only on clinician advice otherwise
- More likely than milder NSAIDs to cause headache, dizziness and stomach effects
- Tell your doctor about ulcers, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy, or kidney or liver problems
- Use the lowest effective amount for the shortest time
- Seek urgent care for gut bleeding, confusion or allergic reaction