Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Indomethacin is used to treat moderate to severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis. Indomethacin is also used to treat shoulder pain caused by bursitis or tendinitis.

Extended-release indomethacin () should not be used to treat gouty arthritis. Indocin SR

Indomethacin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Indomethacin can increase your risk of fatal heart attack or stroke, even if you don't have any risk factors. Do not use this medicine just before or after heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Indomethacin may also cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using indomethacin, especially in older adults.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

You should not use indomethacin if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction after taking aspirin or an NSAID.

If you are pregnant, you should not take indomethacin unless your doctor tells you to. Taking an NSAID during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy can cause serious heart or kidney problems in the unborn baby and possible complications with your pregnancy.

This medicine may temporarily affect fertility (ability to have children) in women.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Indomethacin is not approved for use by anyone younger than 14 years old.

• heart disease, high blood pressure;
• a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot;
• fluid retention;
• bleeding problems;
• stomach ulcers or bleeding;
• asthma;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• if you smoke.

Use Indocin SR (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). signs of an allergic reactionor a severe skin reaction

Get emergency medical help if you have chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, leg swelling, feeling short of breath. signs of a heart attack or stroke:

Stop using indomethacin and seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Stop using indomethacin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• a skin rash, no matter how mild;
• changes in your vision;
• heart problems--swelling, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
• signs of liver or pancreas problems--loss of appetite, upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unusual tiredness, itching, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

• indigestion, nausea;
• headache; or
• dizziness.

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other medicines for pain, fever, swelling, or cold/flu symptoms. They may contain ingredients similar to indomethacin (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, or naproxen).

Avoid taking aspirin unless your doctor tells you to.