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Indometacin

Indometacin, sold as Indocin, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the Pain & Anti-inflammatories range, used to ease joint pain and swelling in arthritis. This shelf carries one product: Indocin capsules in 25 mg, 50 mg and 75 mg strengths.

Indocin

Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis

25mg · 50mg · 75mg

Indometacin capsules for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It reduces joint pain by blocking prostaglandin production.

From$0.63/ capsuleView

Key points

  • Indometacin is listed for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gouty arthritis.
  • Indocin is the brand-name version of indometacin, a Merck product.
  • NSAIDs including indometacin carry a boxed warning for increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and serious stomach bleeding or ulcers.

How does Indometacin work?

Indometacin blocks both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, the body’s main producers of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins drive pain, fever and swelling, so reducing them eases joint symptoms. Because the drug is nonselective, it also inhibits COX-1 in the stomach lining, which is why indometacin can irritate the gut.

Further reading