How long should you wait between indomethacin (Indocin) and ibuprofen (Advil)?
The provided information doesn’t include dosing guidance or a specific “wait time” between indomethacin and ibuprofen. Both medicines are NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and taking two NSAIDs close together increases the risk of side effects such as stomach irritation/bleeding, kidney problems, and increased blood pressure.
What’s the safest approach—switching or spacing doses?
In general, clinicians advise avoiding overlap of two NSAIDs unless a specific plan is given by your prescriber. If you were told to use one NSAID for pain/inflammation, the safer practice is usually to use only one at a time (rather than “stacking” indomethacin and Advil).
What to do if you already took both
If you took indomethacin and then took Advil soon after, don’t take more NSAIDs until you’ve checked with a clinician or pharmacist. If you develop warning signs (black/tarry stools, vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, trouble urinating, swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath), seek urgent care.
Get a precise answer for your schedule
The exact timing can depend on the indomethacin formulation (immediate vs extended release), your prescribed dose frequency, kidney health, age, and whether you’re on blood thinners or have a history of ulcers. A pharmacist can give the correct interval based on your specific prescriptions.
If you tell me:
1) the indomethacin dose and whether it’s extended-release, and
2) when you took your last indomethacin dose,
I can help you translate that into what to ask your pharmacist (and what to avoid).
Sources
No reliable, specific “hours after indomethacin” guidance was provided in the information available to answer this question.