The Basics
What is Indomethacin?
Used to relieve moderate to severe pain, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Brand names for Indomethacin
Indocin
How Indomethacin is classified
Analgesic Agents, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents
Indomethacin During Pregnancy
Indomethacin pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Indomethacin while pregnant
N/A
Taking Indomethacin While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Indomethacin?
Because of the low levels of indomethcin in breastmilk and therapeutic administration directly to infants, it is acceptable to use in nursing mothers. However, other agents with more published information on use during lactation may be preferable, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Because of the low levels of indomethcin in breastmilk and therapeutic administration directly to infants, it is acceptable to use in nursing mothers. However, other agents with more published information on use during lactation may be preferable, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Indomethacin on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Indomethacin
Acetaminophen, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Piroxicam.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Lebedevs TH, Wojnar-Horton RE, Yapp P et al. Excretion of indomethacin in breast milk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1991;32:751-4. PMID: 1768569
2. Beaulac-Baillargeon L, Allard G. Distribution of indomethacin in human milk and estimation of its milk to plasma ratio in vitro. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1993;36:413-6. PMID: 12959288
3. Eeg-Olofsson O, Malmros I, Elwin CE, Steen B. Convulsions in a breast-fed infant after maternal indomethacin. Lancet. 1978;2 (8082):215. Letter. PMID: 78421
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
