Indomethacin
Indomethacin is a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that provides relief from pain, inflammation, and fever. It works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, thereby reducing prostaglandin production. This medication is primarily used to treat various inflammatory conditions, acute pain syndromes, and fever.
Indomethacin is an NSAID used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever by inhibiting COX enzymes.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C01EB03
- RxNorm
- 5781
- Generic
- Indomethacin
- Class
- atc-c01
- Brands
- Tivorbex, Indocin
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, rectal
- Forms
- injection, capsule, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute gouty arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and acute painful shoulder. Also used for mild to moderate pain and fever.
Indomethacin is a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, blocking the production of prostaglandins that mediate pain, inflammation, and fever.
Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues (nausea, ulcers, bleeding). Contraindicated in patients with active peptic ulcer disease, renal impairment, and late pregnancy. May increase cardiovascular risk and requires monitoring of renal function during prolonged use.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy