Two medicines, side by side
Ibuprofen vs indomethacin
Ibuprofen and indomethacin are both labeled for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs@FDA records approvals of ibuprofen since 1974 and of indomethacin since 1965. Pharmacies paid $0.0573 per ibuprofen 800 mg tablet and $0.210 per indomethacin ER 75 mg capsule (NADAC, October 7, 2026); the strengths differ, so the two prices are not like for like.
Check it at the source: the ibuprofen FDA label on DailyMed (effective January 1, 2026); the indomethacin FDA label on DailyMed (effective December 19, 2025).
Highlights of the ibuprofen record
Ibuprofen (Advil) · label of January 1, 2026
Used for
From the label: indications■ temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: ■ headache ■ muscular aches ■ minor pain of arthritis ■ toothache ■ backache ■ the common cold ■ menstrual cramps ■ temporarily reduces fever
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- September 19, 1974
- Generic labelers
- 245 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.0573 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 40
Highlights of the indomethacin record
Indomethacin (Indocin) · label of December 19, 2025
RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL EVENTS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, which can be fatal.
Used for
From the label: indicationsIndomethacin capsules are indicated for: • Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis including acute flares of chronic disease • Moderate to severe ankylosing spondylitis • Moderate to severe osteoarthritis • Acute painful shoulder (bursitis and/or tendinitis) • Acute gouty arthritis Indomethacin capsules are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indicated for: • Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis including acute […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- June 10, 1965
- Generic labelers
- 31 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.210 per capsule
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 9
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Ibuprofen label of January 1, 2026, Indomethacin label of December 19, 2025); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do ibuprofen and indomethacin differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: ibuprofen since 1985; indomethacin since 1985 (Drugs@FDA).
| Ibuprofen | Indomethacin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Fever, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Pain, Cough and cold | Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis |
| Pharmacologic class | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug | Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug |
| How it works (label) | n/a | Indomethacin has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The mechanism of action of indomethacin capsules, like that of other NSAIDs, is not completely understood but involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and … |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | The mean half-life of indomethacin is estimated to be about 4.5 hours. |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | September 19, 1974 | June 10, 1965 |
| First generic approved | February 8, 1985 | September 4, 1985 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 245 labelers | 31 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.0573 per tablet (Ibuprofen 800 mg tablet) | $0.210 per capsule (Indomethacin ER 75 mg capsule) |
| 12-month price change | -2% | -1% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
| Recalls recorded | 40 | 9 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 270,516 | 13,174 |
| DEA schedule | none | none |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Ibuprofen label, drug interactions (prescription label)The clinical significance of this interaction is not known; however, as with other NSAIDs, concomitant administration of ibuprofen and aspirin is not generally recommended because of the potential for increased adverse effects.
Indomethacin label, drug interactionsConcomitant use of indomethacin with other NSAIDs or salicylates (e.g., diflunisal, salsalate) increases the risk of GI toxicity, with little or no increase in efficacy [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ].
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to ibuprofen
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions