Indomethacin Side Effects

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

 

Indomethacin Side Effects: An Overview

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with indomethacin (Indocin®). However, not everyone who takes indomethacin will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medicine well. When people do develop indomethacin side effects, they are usually minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by the patient or healthcare provider.
 
(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with indomethacin. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of indomethacin side effects with you.)
 

Common Indomethacin Side Effects

Indomethacin has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with thousands of people worldwide having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to those that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common indomethacin side effects (occurring in more than 3 percent of people) included:
 
  • Headache
  • Heartburn or indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Nausea, with or without vomiting
  • Dizziness.
     
Other side effects of indomethacin, occurring in more than 1 percent of people, included:
 
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Constipation
  • Spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
     
(Indomethacin Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;