Drug interactions
Indomethacin + Sulindac
Severity: Major
Indomethacin and Sulindac: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Using two NSAIDs together increases the risk of GI ulceration, bleeding and renal injury without added benefit. Fluid retention and hyperkalemia are also more likely.
What this interaction means in plain words
Indomethacin and Sulindac can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Indomethacin belongs to Musculoskeletal; Sulindac belongs to Musculoskeletal.
Why it happens
Both drugs inhibit cyclooxygenase, giving additive loss of gastroprotective and renal prostaglandins and platelet inhibition.
What to do
Avoid combining systemic NSAIDs and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Indomethacin
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac Contraindicated
- Indomethacin + Ketorolac intranasal Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Indomethacin Major
- Acemetacin + Indomethacin Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Indomethacin Major
- Alteplase + Indomethacin Major
Other interactions of Sulindac
- Ketorolac intranasal + Sulindac Contraindicated
- Ketorolac + Sulindac Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Sulindac Major
- Acetylsalicylic acid + Sulindac Major
- Alteplase + Sulindac Major
- Amiloride + Sulindac Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Indomethacin with Sulindac?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Indomethacin and Sulindac can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Using two NSAIDs together increases the risk of GI ulceration, bleeding and renal injury without added benefit. Fluid retention and hyperkalemia are also more likely.
How serious is the interaction between Indomethacin and Sulindac?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid combining systemic NSAIDs and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose.
What other medicines interact with Indomethacin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Indomethacin with, for example, Ketorolac, Ketorolac intranasal, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Indomethacin page.
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