Arthritis Treatment Pain Relief Indocin (Indomethacin) Side Effects By Krystina Wagner Krystina Wagner LinkedIn Krystina is a Technical Writer with a background in healthcare. She has spent the last 10 years working for an internationally recognized medical facility where she found her passion for making complicated topics easier to understand. Learn about our editorial process Updated on February 25, 2021 Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD Medically reviewed by Scott Zashin, MD LinkedIn Scott J. Zashin, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology. He was a volunteer clinical professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School Dallas. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Common Side Effects Serious Side Effects Warnings Indomethacin is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known by its brand name, Indocin. While this medication is not a cure, it helps relieve pain caused by arthritis, gout, tendonitis, and bursitis. It also helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. Indomethacin is available as an immediate-release capsule, an extended-release capsule, a suppository, or a liquid. This medication can cause side effects and may interact with other over-the-counter or prescription medications. SDI Productions, Getty Images Common Side Effects If you are experiencing a side effect of this medication, call your healthcare provider. Depending on the severity of the side effect, you may need a simple dose adjustment or you may need to switch to another medication. The most common reported side effect of Indocin is headache, followed by: Dizziness Indigestion Nausea Diarrhea Decreased appetite Upper abdominal pain Hyponatremia (low blood sodium level) Constipation Rectal irritation Always feeling the need to empty your bowels Tinnitus (ringing or unexplained noise in one or both ears) Feeling discouraged, sad, or empty Weight gain Periodic blood testing to identify abnormalities of the blood count, liver function or kidney function is recommended while taking this medication. The frequency of testing is often based on age, risk factors, and concomitant medications. Serious Side Effects While any side effect can be distressing, a serious side effect is classified by the potential to become life-threatening, lead to hospitalization, disability, or create permanent damage. If you feel you are experiencing a serious side effect, get prompt medical attention. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911 immediately. Some of the more serious side effects of indomethacin are: Shortness of breathTightness in chestDifficulty breathing or swallowingNoisy, rattling breathingSwelling in the abdomen, ankles, feet, hands, or legsSwelling of the face, tongue, lips, throat, or eyesNumbness in hands, feet, or lipsFeverBlistersRashHivesIntense itchingHoarse throatPale skinFast heartbeatSevere fatigue and lack of energyUnusual bleeding or bruisingStomach painVomitingDouble visionLoss of bladder controlDifficulty urinatingFainting Symptoms of an Overdose The following symptoms indicate a potential overdose. It is essential to call 911 and get help immediately if you are experiencing these symptoms. Confusion about who you are, where you are, or the date and timeSevere headache, possibly the worse headache you've ever experiencedAn unusually strong feeling of sluggishness or drowsiness Warnings Black Box Warning Indomethacin comes with a black box warning. The black box warning is the strongest warning level issued by the FDA. This warning alerts patients and healthcare providers of any serious risks associated with taking the medication. The FDA issued a black box warning due to potential stomach bleeding and an increased heart risk with indomethacin. All NSAIDs, including indomethacin, run a risk of creating problems in the stomach, specifically with an increased risk of bleeding or developing an ulcer. In some cases, these side effects can be fatal. NSAIDs like indomethacin are also known to increase heart attack risk, heart failure, or stroke. Factors such as how long you take the medication, the dose you take, or a history of heart issues may increase your risk. Interactions With any medication, vitamin, or supplement, there is a risk of interactions. Before starting Indocin, tell your healthcare provider and your pharmacist about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take so they can be aware of potential interactions or contraindications. The best way to take Indocin is with food. Taking an NSAID with food reduces the risk of nausea, bleeding in the gastrointestinal system, and ulcers. A few known warnings and interactions when taking indomethacin: Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking an NSAID such as indomethacin increases your risk for side effects—specifically bleeding in your stomach and intestines. Age: If you are older than 65 years of age, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the risks of taking this medication. Asthma: If you have asthma, primarily if you are known to have aspirin-sensitive asthma, you should inform your healthcare provider before taking Indocin. Taking this medication may cause a fatal reaction. Heart Conditions: If you have a history of heart problems or high blood pressure, indomethacin might not be the right medication for you. This medication is known to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. It may also raise your blood pressure to a dangerous level. Gastrointestinal Issues: If you have a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding anywhere in the GI tract, there is an increased risk of new or worsening ulcers, swelling, and bleeding in the gastrointestinal system. Rectal Irritation: If you have a history of rectal irritation or rectal bleeding, inform your healthcare provider—especially if you intend to take indomethacin in suppository form. Kidney Problems: This medication can damage your kidneys. If you experience any swelling in your feet or ankles, shortness of breath, or change in urine, contact your healthcare provider. Pregnancy: This medication is not safe for pregnant women since it can affect the baby's heart's development. Other NSAID Medications: Taking another NSAID such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can be dangerous while taking Indocin. Taking two medications from the same category increases your chance of an overdose, as well as other side effects. What Is the Difference Between Indocin (Indomethacin) and Ibuprofen? A Word From Verywell Talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects you may be experiencing. If these side effects are bothersome, you may be able to try another medication that is less likely to cause you problems. At Verywell, our goal is to provide you with accurate and relevant information. However, there is no guarantee all complications and interactions are listed. Always take time to speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions or concerns about taking any medication. 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. MedlinePlus. Indomethacin. Food and Drug Administration. Highlights of prescribing information for Indocin. Goldstein JL, Cryer B. Gastrointestinal injury associated with NSAID use: a case study and review of risk factors and preventative strategies. Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2015;7:31-41. doi:10.2147/DHPS.S71976 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit