Indomethacin is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and relieves pain. Healthcare providers use it to treat arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis and other issues that cause severe pain. The brand names of indomethacin are Indocin® and Tivorbex®.
INDOMETHACIN (in doe METH a sin) treats moderate to severe pain, inflammation, or arthritis. It works by decreasing inflammation. It belongs to a group of medications called NSAIDs.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Indocin, TIVORBEX
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 17 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over 65 years of age may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not take other medications that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen with this medication. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many non-prescription medications contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Always read labels carefully.
This medication can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Smoking, drinking alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your care team right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.
This medication does not prevent a heart attack or stroke. This medication may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase the longer you use this medication or if you have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke, talk to your care team about using this medication.
Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Talk to your care team if you are pregnant before taking this medication. Taking this medication between weeks 20 and 30 of pregnancy may harm your unborn baby. Your care team will monitor you closely if you need to take it. After 30 weeks of pregnancy, do not take this medication.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Be careful brushing or flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medication.
This medication may make it more difficult to get pregnant. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed.
Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
A healthcare provider might prescribe indomethacin to you to manage symptoms, including:
Providers commonly prescribe indomethacin to treat different types of arthritis, including:
Your provider might prescribe indomethacin to manage symptoms of other issues, including:
Yes, indomethacin can cause drowsiness and make you feel sleepy. Talk to a healthcare provider if indomethacin makes you feel extremely tired. Don’t stop taking it unless your provider says to.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience drowsiness along with other side effects like headaches, confusion or disorientation (not knowing where you are or what’s going on around you). It’s rare, but these can be signs of indomethacin toxicity (overdose).
How long indomethacin stays in your system depends on how much you’re taking (the dosage). It usually stays in your body anywhere from two to 16 hours.
Indomethacin leaves your body in your pee and poop as your body processes it and breaks it down.
No, you shouldn’t take ibuprofen while you’re taking indomethacin.
Ibuprofen is another type of NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Taking it while you’re taking indomethacin can greatly increase your risk of experiencing serious side effects like ulcers and internal bleeding.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Indomethacin is a prescription NSAID — a medication that reduces inflammation and relieves pain. Your provider might prescribe it for a temporary issue like bursitis, or you may need it as part of a longer-term way to manage arthritis symptoms.
No matter why you’re taking it, never mix indomethacin with other NSAIDs or over-the-counter medications. Talk to your provider about all the medicines and supplements you’re taking before you start indomethacin. They’ll tell you what’s safe and what you should avoid.
Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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