Indomethacin SDS/MSDS (Safety Data Sheet)

3.1 Substances
Product name: Indomethacin
CAS Number: 53-86-1
PubChem CID: 3715
Molecular formula: C19H16ClNO4
Molecular weight: 357.8 g/mol
IUPAC name: 2-[1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindol-3-yl]acetic acid

3.2 Mixtures
Not applicable (pure substance).

4.1 Description of first aid measures
Inhalation: INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater
Skin contact: SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.
Eye contact: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.
Ingestion: INGESTION: If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Generally, the induction of vomiting is NOT recommended outside of a physician's care due to the risk of aspirating the chemical into the victim's lungs. However, if the victim is conscious and not convulsing and if medical help is not readily available, consider the risk of inducing vomiting because of the high toxicity of the ch

4.2 Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed
See Section 11 (Toxicological Information).

4.3 Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed
Treat symptomatically. Contact a poison control center or physician for severe exposure.

5.1 Extinguishing media
Suitable: Water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide (CO2), alcohol-resistant foam.
Unsuitable: None known.

5.2 Specific hazards arising from the substance or mixture
This compound is not very flammable but any fire involving this compound may produce dangerous vapors. You should evacuate the area. All firefighters should wear full-body protective clothing and use self-contained breathing apparatuses. You should extinguish any fires involving this chemical with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide, foam, or halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)
Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

5.3 Advice for firefighters
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
Fight fire from upwind. Cool containers with water spray until fire is extinguished.

6.1 Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (see Section 8).
Avoid breathing dust/vapor. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Keep people away from and upwind of spill.
WARNING: Highly toxic — only trained personnel should handle spills.

6.2 Environmental precautions
Prevent product from entering drains, waterways, or soil.
Contain spill with inert absorbent material.

6.3 Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Wear respiratory protection. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust; Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains; Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
SRP: Expired or waste pharmaceuticals shall carefully take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA regulations. It is not appropriate to dispose by flushing the pharmaceutical down the toilet or discarding to trash. If possible return the pharmaceutical to the manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator.
Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Dissolve or mix the material with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
Precautions for safe handling: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed. Normal measures for preventive fire protection.
Appropriate engineering controls: Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the product.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants. Ensure that the local ventilation moves the contaminant away from the worker.

7.1 Precautions for safe handling
SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: Should a spill occur while you are handling this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with alcohol, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with alcohol to pick up any remaining material. Seal the absorbent paper, and any of your clothes, which may be contaminated, in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with alcohol followed by washing with a strong soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminate area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned. (NTP, 1992)
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep in a dry place.
Indomethacin capsules should be stored in well-closed containers at a temperature less than 40 °C, preferably at 15 to 30 °C. Indomethacin oral suspension should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers at a temperature less than 30 °C; exposure to temperatures greater than 50 °C should be avoided, and the suspension should be protected from freezing. Indomethacin suppositories should be stored at a temperature less than 30 °C; exposure to temperatures greater than 40 °C (even transiently) should be avoided.

7.2 Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep in a dry place.
Indomethacin capsules should be stored in well-closed containers at a temperature less than 40 °C, preferably at 15 to 30 °C. Indomethacin oral suspension should be stored in tight, light-resistant containers at a temperature less than 30 °C; exposure to temperatures greater than 50 °C should be avoided, and the suspension should be protected from freezing. Indomethacin suppositories should be stored at a temperature less than 30 °C; exposure to temperatures greater than 40 °C (even transiently) should be avoided.
Store away from incompatible materials (see Section 10).
[Note: Specific storage temperature not available in public databases. Refer to supplier Certificate of Analysis (COA) for exact storage conditions.]

9.1 Information on basic physical and chemical properties
a) Appearance: Crystals. (NTP, 1992)
b) Odor: Odorless, or has slight odor
c) Odor threshold: No data available
d) pH: No data available
e) Melting point/freezing point: 311 or 323.6 °F (NTP, 1992)
f) Initial boiling point and boiling range: No data available
g) Flash point: No data available
h) Evaporation rate: No data available
i) Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
j) Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available
k) Vapor pressure: No data available
l) Vapor density: No data available
m) Relative density: No data available
n) Water solubility: In water, 0.937 mg/L at 25 °C
o) Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water: Log P (n-octanol/water): 4.3
p) Auto-ignition temperature: No data available
q) Decomposition temperature: No data available
r) Viscosity: No data available
s) Explosive properties: No data available
t) Oxidizing properties: No data available

9.2 Other information
Topological Polar Surface Area (TPSA): 68.5 Ų
Complexity: 506

11.1 Information on toxicological effects
Acute toxicity:
No acute toxicity data available.
Skin corrosion/irritation:
No data available.
Serious eye damage/eye irritation:
Causes serious eye damage (H318).
Respiratory or skin sensitization:
May cause an allergic skin reaction (H317).
Germ cell mutagenicity:
No data available.
Carcinogenicity:
No data available.
Reproductive toxicity:
May damage fertility or the unborn child (H360).
Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure):
H373
Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure):
No data available.
Aspiration hazard:
No data available.

11.2 Additional information
Carcinogen classification:
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Exposure routes:
Parenteral(intravenous); enteral(rectal); oral.
Bioavailability is approximately 100% following oral administration and 80-90% following rectal administration.
Signs and symptoms of exposure:
The following symptoms may be observed following overdosage: nausea, vomiting, intense headache, dizziness, mental confusion, disorientation, or lethargy. There have been reports of paresthesias, numbness, and convulsions.
Data source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) via PubChem.

12.1 Toxicity
LC50; Species: Thamnocephalus platyurus (Fairy Shrimp) age <24 hr posthatch, nauplii; Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C; Concentration: 16140 ug/L for 24 hr (95% confidence interval: 12590-20960 ug/L) />98.0% purity/
LC50; Species: Oryzias latipes (Japanese Medaka) age <24 hr posthatch larva; Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C; Concentration: 81920 ug/L for 96 hr (95% confidence interval: 75000-90530 ug/L) />98.0% purity/
EC50; Species: Danio rerio (Zebra Danio) age 4 hr postfertilization, embryo, wild-type; Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C, pH 6.8-8, hardness 217-235 mg/L CaCO3, dissolved oxygen >80%; Concentration: 0.12 mM for 140 hr; Effect: increased abnormal development /formulation/
EC50; Species: Danio rerio (Zebra Danio) age 4 hr postfertilization, embryo, wild-type; Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C, pH 6.8-8, hardness 217-235 mg/L CaCO3, dissolved oxygen >80%; Concentration: 0.31 mM for 44 hr; Effect: increased abnormal development /formulation/
For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for INDOMETHACIN (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.
Indomethacin's production and administration as a anti-inflammatory may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. If released to air, an estimated vapor pressure of 9.9X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates indomethacin will exist solely in the particulate phase in the atmosphere. Particulate-phase indomethacin will be removed from the atmosphere by wet and dry deposition. Indometh

12.2 Persistence and degradability
No data available.

12.3 Bioaccumulative potential
Log P (n-octanol/water): 4.3
Potential for bioaccumulation exists (Log P > 3).

12.4 Mobility in soil
No data available.

12.5 Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
PBT/vPvB assessment not available.

12.6 Other adverse effects
This substance is classified as hazardous to the aquatic environment.

13.1 Waste treatment methods
Waste Treatment Methods: Waste material must be disposed of in accordance with national and local regulations. Leave chemicals in original containers and do not mix with other waste. Handle uncleaned containers in the same manner as the product itself.

14.1 UN number
Not regulated as dangerous goods (research quantities typically exempt).

14.2 UN proper shipping name
Not subject to transport regulations (small quantities for research use).

14.3 Transport hazard class(es)
Not classified as dangerous goods for transport (research quantities).
DOT label: Poison

14.4 Packing group
Not applicable (not regulated as dangerous goods in typical research quantities).

14.5 Environmental hazards
Marine pollutant: No (not classified as environmentally hazardous per GHS).

14.6 Special precautions for user
Transport in original packaging. Ensure containers are tightly sealed.
For bulk or commercial quantities, consult applicable transport regulations (DOT, IATA, IMDG).

14.7 Transport in bulk according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and the IBC Code
Not applicable.

15.1 Safety, health and environmental regulations/legislation specific for the substance or mixture
US EPA / TSCA: Subject to EPA TSCA regulations
EU ECHA / REACH: Registered (REACH Active)

SARA 302 Components:
No chemicals in this material are subject to the reporting requirements of SARA Title III, Section 302.
SARA 313 Components:
This material does not contain any chemical components with known CAS numbers that exceed the threshold (De Minimis) reporting levels established by SARA Title III, Section 313.
SARA 311/312 Hazards:
Acute (short-term) health hazard
Chronic (long-term) health hazard
Environmental hazard

Massachusetts Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Massachusetts Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
Pennsylvania Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.
New Jersey Right To Know Components:
This material contains components subject to the New Jersey Right to Know Act. See Section 2 for hazard classification.

California Prop. 65 Components:
This product does not contain any chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or any other reproductive harm.

Other regulatory listings:
- FDA Requirements: The Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations identifies currently marketed prescription drug products, including indomethacin, approved on the basis of safety and effectiveness by FDA under sections 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
The Approved Drug Products wi

15.2 Chemical safety assessment
A chemical safety assessment has not been carried out for this substance.
For research-use-only compounds, no CSA is required under REACH Annex I.

Revision Date: 2026/09/08
Further Information: The information provided is believed to be correct but is not exhaustive and should be used only as a guideline based on current knowledge. It does not represent a guarantee of the properties of the product. Selleck Chemicals Corporation and its Affiliates shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from handling or contact with the product.