Indomethacin (Indocin, Indocin SR): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Table of Contents

What are the most common side effects of indomethacin?

The most common side effects of indomethacin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Headache (see below)
Dizziness
Upset stomach
Nausea

There may be other side effects of indomethacin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of indomethacin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of indomethacin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Indomethacin may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain
Dark-colored pee
Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Heart Attack and Stroke. Indomethacin can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke that can lead to death. This risk is increased in people with existing heart disease and with longer use of indomethacin and higher doses. Do not take indomethacin if you have had a recent heart attack without talking to your healthcare provider. This could increase your risk of having another heart attack. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.

Chest pain or pressure
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Trouble breathing
Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm
Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
Sudden weakness on one side of your body
Sudden and severe headache
Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech

Stomach Bleeding. Indomethacin can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, take higher doses of indomethacin or take it for longer than directed, have poor health, are of older age, have liver disease, smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain other medicines. Stop taking indomethacin and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

Vomit blood
Black or tarry poop
Stomach pain that does not go away
Upset stomach
Feel faint

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking indomethacin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

Nausea or vomiting
Stomach or belly pain
Fever
Weakness or unusual tiredness
Itching
Loss of appetite
Light-colored poop
Dark-colored urine (pee)
Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Indomethacin may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure increases while taking this medicine.

If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.

Sudden severe headache
Chest pain
Dizziness or confusion
Trouble breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Blurry or other changes to vision
Anxiety
Buzzing in the ears
Nosebleed
Feeling of skipped heartbeats

Fluid Retention (Edema) and Heart Failure. Indomethacin can cause fluid retention, also called edema which can lead to heart failure. Fluid retention can also cause serious issues in people with heart failure. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

Chest pain
Irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Stretched or shiny skin
Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles
Unusually fast weight gain
Unusual tiredness

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking indomethacin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

Reduced need to pee
Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
Weakness or unusual tiredness
Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
Confusion
Nausea
Seizures

High Potassium Levels (Hyperkalemia). Indomethacin can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider may check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.

Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
Nausea or vomiting
Trouble breathing
Abnormal heart rhythm

Severe Skin Reactions. Indomethacin can cause severe skin reactions, called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop indomethacin and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
Red, painful, watery eyes

Anemia. Indomethacin may cause anemia, which is when you have low levels of red blood cells. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.

Unusual weakness or tiredness
Cold hands and feet
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Pale or yellowish skin
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
Shortness of breath

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression. Indomethacin may slow down your central nervous system (CNS), which controls many vital functions throughout the body. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of CNS depression.