Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Naproxen vs. Indocin

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

Key takeaways

Naproxen (Naprosyn) and indomethacin (Indocin) are both NSAIDs used to treat pain and inflammation, but they have some key differences. Naproxen is available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms, while indomethacin requires a prescription. Naproxen can be taken orally as a tablet or liquid suspension, whereas indomethacin is available as a rectal suppository or oral tablet. Naproxen is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day, while indomethacin might need to be used 2 to 4 times a day. Common side effects of both medications include headache, heartburn, and stomach pain. Additionally, neither medication isrecommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy due to risks to the unborn baby. Both medications can cause serious side effects like stomach bleeding and heart problems, so it's important to follow your prescriber's instructions carefully.

  • Naproxen (Naprosyn)
    Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository
  • Naproxen (Naprosyn)
    Indomethacin (Indocin) suppository

  • Summary of Naproxen vs. Indocin

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Prescription-strength naproxen (Naprosyn) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It can be taken by adults and children to relieve pain and symptoms of certain conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or gout. Naproxen (Naprosyn) works by blocking specific proteins that cause inflammation and pain. Naproxen (Naprosyn) comes as tablet and liquid suspension that are taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times per day. Some common side effects include heartburn, stomach pain, and nausea.

    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.

  • Indications of Naproxen vs. Indocin

    Indications for
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (arthritis of the spine)
    •Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (arthritis in children)
    •Tendonitis and bursitis
    •Gout attacks
    •Pain
    •Menstrual cramps
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Naproxen vs. Indocin

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for treating pain and inflammation
    •Effects last longer than other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
    •Available as a liquid for people who have a hard time swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach bleeding or stomach ulcers
    •Not safe to take after 20 weeks of pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Naproxen vs. Indocin

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in 3-9% of people in clinical studies:

    •Heartburn
    •Stomach pain
    •Constipation
    •Nausea
    •Dizziness
    •Drowsiness
    •Headache
    •Itchy skin
    •Bruising
    •Ringing in the ears
    •Swelling
    •Shortness of breath
    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

  • Warnings of Naproxen vs. Indocin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Not for use in pregnant or breastfeeding females
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Naproxen vs. Indocin

    Learn more about Naproxen
    Learn more about Indomethacin

Compare other Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis drugs

Aspirin vs NaproxenCelebrex vs NaproxenFeldene vs NaproxenIbuprofen vs NaproxenMeloxicam vs NaproxenMotrin vs NaproxenNaproxen vs Acetaminophen With CodeineNaproxen vs ArthrotecNaproxen vs ClaritinNaproxen vs DiclofenacNaproxen vs IndocinNaproxen vs TylenolRelafen vs NaproxenVimovo vs NaproxenBaclofen vs MeloxicamCyclobenzaprine vs MeloxicamDaypro vs MeloxicamEtodolac vs MeloxicamIbuprofen vs MeloxicamIndocin vs MeloxicamMeloxicam vs Acetaminophen With CodeineMeloxicam vs AleveMeloxicam vs AspirinMeloxicam vs CelebrexMeloxicam vs DiclofenacMeloxicam vs GabapentinMeloxicam vs IndocinMeloxicam vs MethocarbamolMeloxicam vs OxycodoneMeloxicam vs Percocet
View More

Browse medications

View All

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