Indocin
(indomethacin)
Treats pain and swelling.
Our bottom line
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.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (indomethacin)
Upsides
- 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.
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What to expect from Indocin, on one page
Downsides
- 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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What to expect from Indocin, on one page
Indocin (indomethacin) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It blocks the inflammation process in your body, which relieves swelling and pain.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (indomethacin)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Liquid
- Suppository
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$449.80
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$451.50
What to expect when you take Indocin (indomethacin) for Pain
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Swelling after surgery
- Constipation
- Itchy skin
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Indocin (indomethacin)
- Nausea33%33%36%36%
- Swelling after surgery22%22%32%32%
- Headache14%14%11%11%
- Dizziness14%14%17%17%
- Bleeding after surgery11%11%6%6%
- Vomiting10%10%11%11%
- Constipation5%5%5%5%
- Itchy skin3%3%
- Diarrhea3%3%1%1%
- Lightheadedness3%3%2%2%
- Indigestion2%2%1%1%
- Sleepiness2%2%1%1%
- Excessive sweating2%2%1%1%
- Lack of appetite2%2%1%1%
- Fainting2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Indocin.
People taking Indocin felt side effect more
People taking Indocin felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Indocin (indomethacin)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › History of heart disease
- › High blood pressure
- › Smoking
Indocin (indomethacin) can raise your chance of having a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke. The longer you take it, the higher your risk. Talk to your doctor about taking the lowest dose that works for you, for the shortest time possible.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Indocin (indomethacin)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with real people found harmful effects on unborn babies, but the benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Take with food or milk to help prevent upset stomach.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Indocinon 10/26/2016take with food24WomanPain (short-term)
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Indocinon 9/26/2016Make sure you take with food. I made the mistake of not and could not function at work.29WomanGouty arthritis
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Indocinon 5/31/2017It works very well (it just needs about 2 hours to kick-in) but needs to be taken with food. Unfortunately, it's getting withdrawn from pharmacies gradually worldwide because of possible side effects for stomach and heart-attack!!41ManJust as neededRheumatoid arthritis
- Indocin (indomethacin) is processed by the kidney and liver. If you have kidney or liver problems, talk to your doctor because you might need a lower dose of Indocin (indomethacin), or your doctor might use a different medicine. Your doctor might have you do regular blood tests to make sure your kidneys and liver are healthy while you’re taking Indocin (indomethacin).
- Not a good choice if you have kidney, liver, or stomach problems.
- In studies, Indocin (indomethacin) was more effective than Tylenol for treating osteoarthritis pain.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed IndocinWorks rather quickly for gout. Pain while walking started reducing within about 8 hours of 1st dose. (75mg)54Man
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Indocinon 1/16/2017I've taken Indometacin for over 3 years as needed for gout and gouty aches and pains, usually one or two a day when the symptoms start, up to 3 if severe. Works fast and effectively. I've not had any side effects.71ManGouty arthritis
- Not sureBig hassleReviewed indomethacinon 2/11/2018suggest taking it only until pain subsides, no longer.76ManLess than a weekWould rather not say