Medicine Highlights
Uses | 1. To treat mild to moderate pain 2. To treat moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis 3. To treat moderate to severe osteoarthritis 4. To treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis 5. To treat acute gouty arthritis |
Common Side Effects | 1- Headache 2. Dizziness 3. Dyspepsia 4. Nausea |
Additional Information | Avoid taking alcohol or tobacco with this medicine. |
Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Indomethacin Summary
Indomethacin 75 mg SR is a pain-relief medicine from the NSAID family, commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis, gout, and general pain or inflammation. It works by blocking substances in the body that cause pain, swelling, and fever. While it can be very effective, it may cause side effects like headaches, nausea, or indigestion. Always let your doctor know if you’re pregnant, allergic, or have had heart surgery, as it may not be safe in those cases. Take indomethacin exactly as prescribed, no more, no less. If you miss a dose, just take it when you remember unless it’s close to the next one. Avoid alcohol while on this medication, and store it in a cool, dry place away from kids. If you notice any severe symptoms or suspect an overdose, seek medical help right away.
Indomethacin Uses
Indomethacin 75 mg SR is an oral medicine belonging to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) medicines. It is used for following indications:
- Mild to moderate pain
- Moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis
- Moderate to severe osteoarthritis
- Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
- Acute gouty arthritis
Indomethacin side effects
More Common
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dyspepsia
- Nausea
Less Common
- Acid or sour stomach
- Belching
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
- Vomiting
How Indomethacin works
Indomethacin works by inhibiting the synthesis of a hormone called prostaglandin (responsible for causing inflammation, pain and blood clotting) and an enzyme known as COX (Cyclooxygenase) enzyme that is responsible for causing fever. By preventing inhibiting the functioning of these two one can be cured from fever, pain and inflammation.
Directions for use
- Take indomethacin exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking indomethacin without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 Hypersensitivity/ Allergy
If you are allergic to this medicine then inform your doctor about it so that he can give you another medicine.
📌 Bypass Surgery
If you have ever undergone heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft – CABG), inform your doctor. This medication should not be given to patients who have had bypass surgery, as it increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
📌 Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your doctor. Indomethacin can be harmful to the fetus.
Indomethacin Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking indomethacin 25 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Indomethacin Interaction with Food Product
Indomethacin does not interact with any food products, but alcohol should be avoided before and after taking the medicine, as it can increase or decrease the effect of this medicine.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Indomethacin Chemical structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-yl] acetic acid.

Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily Dose
Take indomethacin exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
One should not take more than the recommended dose of indomethacin. Symptoms of overdosing include stomach pain, vomiting, and dizziness. If you know someone who is having these symptoms, then rush them to the hospital immediately.
FAQ’s
1. What is the chemical name of indomethacin?
➡️ The chemical name for indomethacin is 2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-yl] acetic acid.
2. What is the category of indomethacin?
➡️ Indomethacin belongs to the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation.
Reference
- Mount Sinai Health Library. Indomethacin overdose [Internet]. New York: Mount Sinai; [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Indomethacin (oral route) description [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; [cited 2025 Jun 19]. Available from.
- Munjal A, Allam AE. Indomethacin. [Updated 2024 May 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from.