Indomethacin Side Effects

In clinical trials, side effects that were reported in more than 3 percent of people taking indomethacin included heartburn or indigestion, headache, dizziness, and nausea (with or without vomiting). Other side effects of indomethacin can include fatigue, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you experience serious side effects, such as chest pain or blurred vision, be sure to seek immediate medical attention.

Indomethacin Side Effects: An Overview

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with indomethacin (Indocin®). However, not everyone who takes the drug will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If people do develop side effects, they are usually minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all of the possible side effects of indomethacin. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of indomethacin side effects with you.)
 

Serious Side Effects of Indomethacin

As with any drug, there is the potential for serious side effects with indomethacin.
 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people using indomethacin or other NSAIDs (with the exception of aspirin) may have a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke than those who do not take NSAIDs. This risk may be higher in people who have been taking NSAIDs for a long time. These events can occur without any warning and can lead to loss of life. Get emergency medical help by calling 911 as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms:
 
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness on one part of your body
  • Slurred speech.
     
Other serious side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Allergic reactions, such as:
 
    • Swelling of the face or body
    • Blisters
    • Unexplained skin rash
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing
 
  • Stomach or intestine problems, including:
 
    • Bleeding
    • Ulcers
    • A hole (known as a perforation)
 
  • Liver damage, which can cause:
 
    • Nausea
    • Fatigue
    • Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
    • Excessive tiredness
 
  • Increased liver enzymes, which may be a sign of liver failure or hepatitis
  • Kidney problems, including kidney failure
  • Fluid retention or unexplained weight gain
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Blurred vision.
     
Because indomethacin can increase the causes for major or life-threatening bleeding, contact your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or have any of the following symptoms:
 
  • Bloody nose
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Blood in the urine or stools
  • Vomiting blood
  • Red or purple spots on the skin.
 
Indomethacin Side Effects Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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