Indomethacin for Slowing Preterm Labor

Indomethacin appears to have fewer side effects on the mother but potentially more serious effects on the fetus than other tocolytic medicines used to treat preterm labor. But fetal side effects are very unlikely when treatment lasts fewer than 7 days. Indomethacin may cause:

• A fetus's kidneys to produce abnormally low amounts of urine, resulting in a decrease in the amount of amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios).
• Early changes in the heart that do not normally occur until after birth. This may cause problems with fetal blood circulation.

Maternal side effects are very rare. They include:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Stomach upset or heartburn.
• Prolonged vaginal bleeding.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

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