Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Indocin vs. Prednisone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Indocin (indomethacin) and prednisone are both prescription medications used to treat inflammation, but they belong to different drug classes and work in different ways. Indocin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation and pain by blocking proteins called cyclooxygenase (COX). It's available as a tablet, liquid, and rectal suppository, which can be a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills. Prednisone, on the other hand, is a corticosteroid that mimics a natural hormone in your body to calm down your immune response. It's taken orally and is available in various forms, including tablets and liquid. While Indocin is typically used for arthritis and shoulder pain, prednisone treats a wider range of conditions, including allergies, skin conditions, and certain cancers. Both medications have serious side effects, but prednisone can also cause long-term issues like weakened bones and a higher risk of infections if used for a long time. Indocin is not recommended during pregnancy, especially after 20 weeks, while prednisone requires careful monitoring if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

  • Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
    Prednisone
  • Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
    Prednisone

  • Summary of Indocin vs. Prednisone

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository is an NSAID that's used to treat different types of arthritis and conditions that cause pain in the shoulder. It helps lower inflammation and relieve pain. As a suppository, it's inserted into the rectum, typically 2 to 4 times a day depending on what condition the medication is being used to treat. Side effects might include headache and stomach upset. Unlike other NSAIDs, indomethacin (Indocin) suppository isn't available over-the-counter and requires a prescription from your healthcare provider.

    Summary for Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Prednisone is an oral corticosteroid. It's taken by mouth by adults and children to treat health conditions related to an overactive immune system or inflammation, such as allergies and certain skin conditions. Your healthcare team will determine your dose based on what medical condition you have. Some of the common short-term side effects of prednisone include stomach irritation and mood changes. And if you take this medication for a month or longer, you're more likely to experience long-term side effects, like weight gain and weakened immune system.

  • Indications of Indocin vs. Prednisone

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, including flare-ups
    •Moderate-to-severe ankylosing spondylitis
    •Moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis
    •Shoulder pain caused by bursitis or tendonitis
    •Gouty arthritis
    Indications for

    This medication is used for many different conditions. Generally, it's used for autoimmune problems, conditions related to swelling, or cancer. Some examples include:

    •Allergies or allergic reactions
    •Skin conditions
    •Conditions affecting certain hormones (e.g., low adrenal hormones)
    •Eye conditions
    •Lung conditions
    •Gut conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis)
    •Conditions related to blood cells
    •Certain cancers (e.g., leukemia
    •Nervous system conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
    •Joint conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
    •Lupus

  • Pros and Cons of Indocin vs. Prednisone

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Can treat many different types of arthritis
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only available in one strength (50 mg), so you might need to use several suppositories if you're taking a high dose
    •Might need to take multiple times per day
    •Not available over-the-counter
    Pros and Const for Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Works well to treat many different conditions involving the immune system
    •Available as a liquid, which is a good option for people who have difficulty swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Dose can be adjusted based on your response to the medication
    Cons
    •Can cause side effects like upset stomach, mood changes, and sleep problems
    •Need to taper your dose before stopping (if you took it for more than a couple of weeks)
    •Might raise your risk for infections, bone weakening, and skin problems if used long term
    •Can slow growth in children if they take it for a long period of time

  • Common Side Effects of Indocin vs. Prednisone

    Common Side Effects for

    Note: The side effects listed here are for indomethacin capsules. Side effects for the suppositories might differ.

    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Nausea
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling (e.g., puffiness in the face, hands, or feet)
    •Stomach bloating
    •Muscle weakness
    •Headache
    •Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
    •Changes in your mood
    •Larger appetite (possibly leading to weight gain)
    •Higher blood sugar

  • Warnings of Indocin vs. Prednisone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Liver problems
    •Kidney damage and high potassium levels
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe asthma attack
    •Worsening of nervous system and mental health problems
    •Harm to unborn babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Greater risk of infections
    •Mood and behavior changes
    •Reduced adrenal gland function
    •Changes in heart and kidney function
    •Stomach problems
    •Bone problems with long-term use
    •Eye problems with long-term use

  • Prices with our coupons for Indocin vs. Prednisone

    Learn more about Indomethacin
    Learn more about Prednisone

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis drugs

Ibuprofen vs IndocinIndocin vs AllopurinolIndocin vs CelebrexIndocin vs ColcrysIndocin vs FeldeneIndocin vs MeloxicamIndocin vs MobicIndocin vs PrednisoneIndocin vs TylenolMeloxicam vs IndocinNaproxen vs IndocinVoltaren vs IndocinArthrotec vs MobicAspirin vs NaproxenCelebrex vs MobicCelebrex vs NaproxenDuexis vs MobicFeldene vs NaproxenFeldene vs TylenolIbuprofen vs MobicIbuprofen vs NaproxenMeloxicam vs NaproxenMobic vs NaprosynMobic vs UltramMotrin vs NaproxenNaproxen vs Acetaminophen With CodeineNaproxen vs ArthrotecNaproxen vs ClaritinToradol vs MobicVoltaren vs Feldene
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.