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Indomethacin

Brand names: Indocin, Tivorbex

Indomethacin is a strong NSAID often used for gout flares and some types of arthritis and headache.

Brand namesIndocin, Tivorbex
Type of medicineNSAID (pain reliever)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's more likely than many NSAIDs to cause headache, dizziness, and stomach upset.

What it's used for

  • Gout flares
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Certain headache types

How to take it

  • Take it with food.
  • Use for the shortest time.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Upset stomach
Call 911Chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side, or slurred speech
Call 911Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Call 911A blistering, peeling, or widespread red rash, especially with fever
Call your provider todayBlack or bloody stools
Call your provider todayPeeing much less, or swelling in the legs

Warnings

  • NSAIDs raise the risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach bleeding. Ask a provider first if you have heart disease, kidney disease, stomach ulcers, or are over 60.
  • Older adults are more likely to get confused.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Don't combine with other NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin for pain.
  • Blood thinners, steroids, and SSRIs raise bleeding risk.
  • It can weaken blood pressure medicines and raise lithium and methotrexate levels.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later unless your provider says to. Ask before using it at any point in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

This medicine is often taken only when needed. If you take it on a schedule, take a missed dose when you remember, unless it's almost time for the next one. Don't double up.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.