Indomethacin Uses

Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to relieve pain. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain, tenderness, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by severe osteoarthritis, severe rheumatoid arthritis, severe ankylosing spondylitis, acute gouty arthritis, bursitis (acute painful shoulder), and tendinitis. 

There may be other uses of indomethacin—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Indomethacin Mechanism of Action

Indomethacin works by blocking the formation of prostaglandins, which are natural substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. 

Indomethacin Doses

Indomethacin is available as a 25 mg and 50 mg capsule, a 75 mg extended-release capsule, 25 mg/5 mL oral suspension, and a 50 mg suppository. 

For osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, the usual dose of indomethacin in adults is 25 mg 2-3 times a day. For acute gouty arthritis, the dose is indomethacin capsules 50 mg 3 times a day for 3-5 days. The indomethacin dose for acute shoulder pain is 75 mg to 150 mg per day in 3-4 divided doses for 7-14 days. The maximum dose of indomethacin is 200 mg per day. Indomethacin doses in children younger than 18 years of age depend on the body weight and must be determined by a healthcare professional.