Compare Celebrex vs. Indocin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Celebrex (Celecoxib)

Prescription only

Indocin (indomethacin)

Prescription only
Relieves pain and inflammation.

Celebrex (Celecoxib) works well for treating pain and causes less upset stomach than other NSAIDs.

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3.4/ 5 average rating with 550 reviewsforCelebrex
Treats pain and swelling.

Indocin (indomethacin) works well for mild to moderate pain and swelling, but it shouldn't be used long-term since it has some serious side effects.

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4.2/ 5 average rating with 26 reviewsforIndocin
Upsides
  • Relieves pain and inflammation for many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Good for treating muscle aches and pains, as well as menstrual cramps.
  • Causes fewer stomach problems than other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen.
  • Lasts longer than Ibuprofen.
  • Effective option to relieve mild to moderate pain and swelling.
  • Treats inflammation problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and acute gout attacks.
  • In studies, Indocin (indomethacin) was more effective than Tylenol for treating osteoarthritis pain.
  • It works as well as Celebrex for treating an acute gout attacks.
  • Available in capsules, long-acting capsules, suppositories, and as a suspension. All forms, except the suspension, are available as generic medications.
Downsides
  • The longer you take Celebrex (Celecoxib), the more likely you are to have stomach problems, including inflammation, ulcers, and bleeding. Can also happen if you take Celebrex (Celecoxib) on an empty stomach.
  • Like all NSAIDs, it can raise your risk of blood clots, heart attack, or a stroke.
  • Can also affect your kidneys or cause permanent kidney damage if taken for a long time.
  • Indocin (indomethacin) can cause serious heart and stomach problems. The risk goes up the longer you take it, but problems can happen at any time. Don't take Indocin (indomethacin) any longer than your doctor recommends.
  • Indocin (indomethacin) raises your risk of bleeding, especially when taken with other blood-thinning medicines.
  • There are similar medicines that you don't have to take as often and can work just as well.
  • Not a good choice if you have kidney, liver, or stomach problems.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Liquid
  • Suppository
Price
Lowest price
$16.75
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Lowest price
$284.87
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Reviews
550 reviews so far
57%
saidit'sworth it
38%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Celebrex (Celecoxib)?

Leave a review
26 reviews so far
73%
saidit'sworth it
77%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Indocin (indomethacin)?

Leave a review
Side effects
The Celebrex (Celecoxib) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
15possible side effects
  • Nausea
    33%
  • Swelling after surgery
    22%
  • Headache
    14%
  • Dizziness
    14%
  • Bleeding after surgery
    11%
  • Vomiting
    10%
  • Constipation
    5%
  • Itchy skin
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Lightheadedness
    3%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Sleepiness
    2%
  • Excessive sweating
    2%
  • Lack of appetite
    2%
  • Fainting
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Heart attack and stroke
    • Long-term use
    • History of heart disease
    • History of heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft/CABG)
  • Stomach bleeding
    • Age 65 or older
    • History of GI bleed or peptic ulcer disease
  • Increased blood pressure
    • History of high blood pressure
    • Taking water pills (diuretics)
  • Increased swelling (edema) and fluid retention
    • History of heart failure
  • Skin reactions
  • Asthma attacks
    • History of asthma
  • Lowered kidney function
    • Kidney Disease
    • Heart Failure
    • Liver Disease
    • Also taking diuretics
    • Also taking ACE inhibitors
    • Also taking Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
    • Age 65 or older
  • Harm to unborn babies
    • Late pregnancy (more than 30 weeks)
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Heart attack or stroke
    • History of heart disease
    • High blood pressure
    • Smoking
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach bleeding or ulcers
    • Age 65 or older
  • Harm to fetus (unborn baby)
    • Women of childbearing age
  • Serious allergic reactions
    • Asthma
    • Allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs
  • Worsening kidney or liver function
    • Current kidney problems
    • Current liver problems
  • Bleeding or bruising
    • Blood-thinning medicines
    • Low blood platelet count
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Celebrex (Celecoxib)
Learn more about Indocin (indomethacin)