Indomethacin (Indomethacin)

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (a type of arthritis that involves inflammation of the joints), osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine), tendinitis, bursitis (inflammation and pain around joints), acute gout, and pain. Indomethacin is available as capsules and as extended-release (ER) tablets (releases medicine into your body throughout the day).

Indomethacin can cause serious problems (such as heart attack or stroke). Your risk can increase when this medication is used for long periods of time and if you have heart disease. Tell your doctor if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, or slurred speech. Indomethacin can cause high blood pressure and heart failure or worsen existing high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you experience weight gain or swelling. Indomethacin can cause discomfort, ulcers, or bleeding in your stomach or intestines. Your risk can increase with long-term use, smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, poor health, or with certain medications. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain or if you have bloody vomit or stools. Long-term use of indomethacin can cause kidney injury. Your risk can increase if you have kidney impairment; heart failure; liver problems; are taking certain medications, including water pills (such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide) or blood/heart medications known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (such as lisinopril); or are elderly. Indomethacin can also cause liver injury. Stop taking indomethacin and call your doctor if you experience nausea, tiredness, weakness, itchiness, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, right upper abdominal tenderness, or “flu-like” symptoms. Indomethacin can cause a serious allergic reaction. Stop taking indomethacin and tell your doctor right away if you experience trouble breathing or swelling of your face, mouth, or throat. Stop taking indomethacin and tell your doctor right away if you experience serious skin reactions, such as rash, blisters, fever, or itchiness.