indometacin at a glance
Medicine class
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
Main role
Relieves pain and inflammation in arthritis, acute gout, musculoskeletal disorders and other licensed conditions
Important precaution
Do not combine with another NSAID unless specifically directed by a prescriber
What is indometacin used for?
The selected suppository is licensed for:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis, including degenerative disease of the hip
Ankylosing spondylitis
Acute gouty arthritis
Acute musculoskeletal disorders
Low-back pain
Pain, inflammation and swelling following orthopaedic procedures
Pain and associated symptoms of primary dysmenorrhoea
How does indometacin work?
Indometacin inhibits prostaglandin production. These chemical messengers are involved in pain, inflammation and fever.
indometacin preparations and strengths
Suppository
Route: Rectal
Strengths: 100 mg
How to take indometacin
Use the suppository exactly as prescribed. Insert it into the rectum; do not swallow it.
Empty your bowels first if necessary.
Remove the foil and insert the pointed end while lying on your back or side with your knees bent.
Remain still briefly, then wash your hands.
Do not use it if you have proctitis or recent rectal bleeding.
indometacin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache, dizziness or light-headedness
- Nausea, vomiting or reduced appetite
- Abdominal discomfort
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Tiredness
- Rectal burning, discomfort, itching or a feeling of needing to empty the bowel
Get urgent medical advice
- Stomach or intestinal ulceration, bleeding or perforation
- Severe allergic reaction or bronchospasm
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Chest pain, heart attack or stroke symptoms
- Kidney impairment, reduced urine or marked swelling
- Jaundice or other evidence of liver injury
- Rectal inflammation or bleeding
indometacin in pregnancy
Avoid indometacin during pregnancy unless a clinician considers it clearly necessary. Avoid NSAIDs from 20 weeks unless prescribed because they may affect fetal kidneys, amniotic fluid and fetal circulation. The selected product is contraindicated during the third trimester. Tell the prescriber about pregnancy or plans to conceive.
indometacin while breastfeeding
The selected product information advises against indometacin while breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk. Ask a prescriber about alternatives; UK specialist guidance generally prefers ibuprofen or diclofenac for full-term, healthy breastfed infants.
indometacin interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Aspirin, diflunisal and other NSAIDs
Combining them increases gastrointestinal toxicity. Diflunisal must not be used with indometacin.
Anticoagulants
Bleeding risk may increase, requiring close clinical and coagulation monitoring.
Methotrexate
Indometacin may reduce methotrexate elimination and increase toxicity.
Lithium
Lithium concentrations and toxicity can increase, so additional monitoring may be required.
Common questions about indometacin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is indometacin an NSAID?
Yes. It reduces prostaglandin production, relieving pain and inflammation.
Can indometacin suppositories be swallowed?
No. They are only for insertion into the rectum.
Can indometacin be used with ibuprofen or naproxen?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.