Indometacin
Indometacin is a potent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for selected painful inflammatory conditions. It has significant gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, kidney and neurological risks. Listed uses include acute gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Key points
- Indometacin can cause ulcers or bleeding, especially with anticoagulants, antiplatelets or other NSAIDs.
- It can increase heart attack, stroke, fluid-retention and kidney risk.
- Headache, dizziness, confusion or other central-nervous-system effects may limit suitability.
Listings are for comparison only; suitability and supply depend on diagnosis, cardiovascular and bleeding risk, prescription and pharmacy checks.
Important safety checks
Review heart disease, stroke, ulcers or bleeding, kidney or liver disease, NSAID-sensitive asthma, pregnancy and all anticoagulants, antiplatelets, blood-pressure medicines or NSAIDs.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for chest pain, sudden weakness, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, very little urine, severe confusion, blistering skin, facial swelling or breathing difficulty.