Indomethacin Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

If you’re experiencing pain and swelling, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is often a go-to option for relief. You may be familiar with over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Naprosyn). But depending on the cause of your pain, indomethacin (Indocin) is a prescription NSAID your healthcare provider may consider.

Indomethacin is approved to treat different types of arthritis, gout, and shoulder pain in adults. And it’s available in several different dosage forms, including a capsule, an oral suspension, and rectal suppositories.

Below, we’ll review indomethacin dosages recommended by the manufacturers. But it’s possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe a different dose of indomethacin than what we’ll detail here. It’s important to follow your provider’s instructions, so contact them if you have any questions about your dosage.

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What’s the typical indomethacin dosage for adults?

The typical indomethacin dosage for adults depends on the form you’re taking and what condition you’re treating. Several different dosage forms are available, and those approved for adults include:

• Immediate-release (IR) capsules: 25 mg and 50 mg

• Extended-release (ER) capsules: 75 mg

• Rectal suppositories: 50 mg

• Oral suspension: 25 mg/5 mL

Oral indomethacin dosage forms can be taken with or without food. But taking it with food may help lessen side effects like nausea and upset stomach.

Keep in mind: One indomethacin dosage form isn’t necessarily interchangeable with another. That’s because each one has specific approved uses. 

However, indomethacin suppositories can be substituted for indomethacin IR capsules (25 mg or 50 mg only). But your body will absorb the medication differently. So, you may have more effect from one dosage form versus another.

Dosage for arthritis

Indomethacin can be taken by adults to treat moderate to severe forms of arthritis. This includes osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Indomethacin IR capsules and suspension

For arthritis, the starting indomethacin dosage is 25 mg 2 to 3 times a day. If needed, your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage on a weekly basis up to a maximum total daily dosage of 200 mg.

If you have pain at night or stiffness in the morning, your healthcare provider may have you take a higher dose at bedtime. That way, you’ll get relief through the night and when you wake up in the morning.

Indomethacin suppositories 

Indomethacin suppositories only come in one dosage (50 mg), so the dosing may vary slightly. Typically, you can use one indomethacin suppository 2 to 4 times per day.

Indomethacin ER capsules 

For arthritis, the typical indomethacin ER dosage is 75 mg once daily. Your dosage may be adjusted based on your response to the medication. The maximum total daily dosage is 200 mg.

In most cases, the ER 75 mg capsule that’s taken once daily can be substituted for the IR 25 mg capsule that’s taken three times daily. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options.

Note: Indomethacin ER capsules aren’t FDA approved to treat a gout attack. In this case, you can’t substitute them for the IR capsules.

Dosage for acute gouty arthritis

Acute gouty arthritis (gout) causes painful, swollen, hot, and tender joints. Your healthcare provider might prescribe indomethacin to take during a gout attack.

Indomethacin IR capsules, suspension, and suppositories

For gout, the typical indomethacin dosage is 50 mg 3 times a day until your pain improves. After that, you’ll be instructed on how to quickly lower your dose before stopping the medication.

Dosage for shoulder pain

Indomethacin can be taken to treat shoulder pain from tendonitis and/or bursitis. These are conditions where tendons or tissue around or between joints (like the shoulder, elbow, knee)  become inflamed and tender.

Indomethacin IR capsules, suspension, and suppositories 

For shoulder pain, the typical indomethacin dosage is 75 mg to 150 mg daily taken in 3 to 4 divided doses. After your pain and swelling have been under control for several days, your healthcare provider will usually tell you to stop taking it. This typically takes 7 to 14 days.

Indomethacin ER capsules 

For shoulder pain, the typical indomethacin ER dosage is 75 mg once or twice daily. Similar to the IR capsules, your healthcare provider will typically have you stop taking the medication once pain control is achieved.

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

No dosage adjustments are required for medical conditions such as liver or kidney problems. But NSAIDs like indomethacin are known to damage the kidneys. So certain people may need to have their kidney function monitored more closely during treatment.

If you have existing kidney problems, indomethacin may make them worse. This is also the case if you have liver problems, heart failure, or if you’re taking certain blood pressure medications. And if you're 65 or older, you may have a higher risk of kidney problems and other side effects, like confusion.

In some cases, indomethacin may not be safe for you to take. But if your healthcare provider says it’s OK, they’ll likely have you take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.

What happens if you miss a dose of indomethacin?

If you miss your indomethacin dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to when your next dose is due, skip the dose you missed. Don’t double up on your medication to make up for a missed dose.

If you have questions about what to do if you miss your dose, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What should you do if you take too much indomethacin?

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for taking indomethacin. Taking too much can increase the risk of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Stomach bleeding is also possible. And while rare, kidney problems, slowed breathing, and coma have been reported.

If you think you’ve taken too much indomethacin, contact your healthcare provider or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. But if any symptoms you’re experiencing feel life-threatening or severe, go to your nearest emergency room.

How to save on indomethacin

There are many ways to save on indomethacin. The oral suspension is only available as a brand-name medication (Indocin). But the IR and ER capsules are available as lower-cost generics. The suppository is also available as a branded generic medication (Indocin).

GoodRx can help you save over 30% off the average retail price of the generic versions of indomethacin. Generic indomethacin IR capsules at certain pharmacies are as low as $8.98 with a free GoodRx discount. The generic ER capsules are as low as $21.62.

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Written by:

Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD

Sarah Pearson is a practicing pharmacist with over 10 years of experience in the field. She received her doctorate in pharmacy from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

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