Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Indomethacin

NSAID (acetic acid)

Brand names: Indocin

Oral health effects

  • Increased bleeding (platelet inhibition)

    NSAIDs reversibly inhibit platelet function, modestly increasing bleeding during invasive procedures.

    Mechanism: Reversible COX-1 inhibition reduces thromboxane-mediated platelet aggregation.

    Clinical management: Usually minor; consider acetaminophen if bleeding is a concern; local hemostasis as needed.

  • Oral/GI mucosal ulceration & lichenoid reaction

    NSAIDs can cause aphthous-like oral ulceration and lichenoid reactions; GI ulceration is the systemic counterpart.

    Clinical management: Symptomatic care; biopsy persistent lichenoid lesions; limit duration; take with food.

Sources

  1. A review and guide to drug-associated oral adverse effects-Oral mucosal and lichenoid reactions. Part 2. Teoh L, Moses G, McCullough MJ. Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology, 2019.