Arthrexin contains indomethacin, a strong anti-inflammatory, in 25 mg capsules. It is used for arthritis, gout flares, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis and tendonitis — conditions where inflammation is the main problem. It is one of the harsher NSAIDs on the stomach, so it carries firm cautions.
What is Arthrexin?
Arthrexin contains indomethacin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). In South Africa it is most commonly dispensed as 25 mg capsules.
Indomethacin blocks cyclo-oxygenase enzymes, which the body uses to make prostaglandins. Prostaglandins produce inflammation, swelling and pain, so blocking them reduces all three. The same prostaglandins also protect the stomach lining and support kidney blood flow, which is where the risks come from.
What distinguishes indomethacin from the more familiar NSAIDs is potency. It is a strong anti-inflammatory, and it is a first choice for a few conditions — gout flares and ankylosing spondylitis among them — where that strength is genuinely useful.
That potency comes with a trade-off. Indomethacin is among the harsher NSAIDs on the stomach, and it causes central nervous system effects — particularly headache and dizziness — more often than others in the group. It is not the NSAID reached for when a milder one would do.
It is a Schedule 3 medicine.
What is Arthrexin commonly used for?
Arthrexin is prescribed where inflammation, rather than pain alone, is the problem:
- Gout flares. Indomethacin is a long-standing first-line choice for an acute attack, given its speed and strength.
- Ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory arthritis of the spine, where indomethacin is particularly effective.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, for symptom control alongside disease-modifying treatment.
- Osteoarthritis, in more severe or inflammatory cases.
- Bursitis and tendonitis — inflamed bursae, shoulders and tendons.
- Acute musculoskeletal inflammation after injury.
Note what is missing: everyday headache, mild aches, ordinary fever. For those, a simple painkiller such as paracetamol or a gentler NSAID is more appropriate. Indomethacin’s risk profile only makes sense where its strength is needed.
For gout in particular, it treats the flare, not the underlying condition. Preventing future attacks requires something different — usually allopurinol — which is a separate conversation with your doctor.
How Arthrexin fits into this medicine category
Indomethacin is a potent non-selective NSAID:
| Group | Examples | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Simple analgesics | Paracetamol | Pain and fever, minimal anti-inflammatory action |
| Standard NSAIDs | Ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen | Anti-inflammatory; stomach and kidney cautions |
| Potent NSAIDs | Indomethacin (Arthrexin) | Stronger; greater stomach and CNS effects |
| COX-2 selective | Etoricoxib | Gentler on the stomach; cardiovascular attention |
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone | Powerful anti-inflammatory, as short courses |
Prescribers pick along that range according to how much anti-inflammatory effect is needed against how much risk a person can carry. See the pain, inflammation and musculoskeletal medicines hub.
What to check before using Arthrexin
Always take it with food, and take it for the shortest period that controls the problem.
Speak to your prescriber or pharmacist if:
- You have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding, reflux or gastritis. Indomethacin has a higher ulcer risk than most NSAIDs, and many people taking it are also given a stomach-protecting medicine.
- You have kidney disease or are prone to dehydration.
- You have heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, or a history of stroke.
- You have asthma. Some people with asthma react badly to NSAIDs.
- You have epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease or a psychiatric condition — indomethacin can worsen these.
- You take blood thinners, a corticosteroid, an SSRI antidepressant, lithium, methotrexate, a diuretic or an ACE inhibitor.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. NSAIDs are generally avoided in pregnancy, particularly later on.
- You are over 65. Stomach, kidney and confusion risks are all higher.
Never take two anti-inflammatories together.
Follow the dispensing label. This page does not set doses.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Stomach. Indomethacin carries a real risk of ulceration and bleeding, which can occur without preceding pain. If you have been prescribed a stomach-protecting medicine alongside it, take it.
Headache and dizziness. These are common with indomethacin specifically — more so than with other NSAIDs — and can be pronounced enough to interfere with normal activity. Report them; a different anti-inflammatory may suit you better.
Kidneys. Reduced kidney function is possible, particularly in older people, those who are dehydrated, or those taking blood-pressure medicines. During a vomiting or diarrhoeal illness, ask whether to pause it.
Heart. NSAIDs as a group are associated with increased cardiovascular risk with regular use.
Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Seek medical attention for stomach pain, vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds, black tarry stools, severe or persistent headache, marked dizziness or confusion, visual disturbance, breathlessness, chest pain, one-sided weakness, significantly reduced urine, marked leg swelling, or a blistering rash.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Pain, Inflammation & Musculoskeletal Medicines guides
- Read: Prednisone used for
- Read: Donapan used for
Frequently asked questions
What is Arthrexin 25 mg used for? Inflammatory conditions — gout flares, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, bursitis and tendonitis. It contains indomethacin.
Is it stronger than ibuprofen? Indomethacin is a more potent anti-inflammatory, which is why it is used for gout and ankylosing spondylitis. It also causes more stomach and central nervous system effects.
Why does it give me a headache? Headache and dizziness are recognised effects of indomethacin specifically. Report them to your prescriber — another NSAID may suit you better.
Can I take it for a normal headache or backache? It is not the right choice. Its risk profile only makes sense where a strong anti-inflammatory is genuinely needed.
Does it cure gout? No. It treats the flare. Preventing future attacks needs different treatment, usually allopurinol.
Can I take it with paracetamol? They are different medicines and are sometimes combined on advice. Never combine it with another anti-inflammatory.