Tolmetin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 16, 2025.

Applies to tolmetin: oral capsule, oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet; capsule)

NSAIDs may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal.

This risk may be increased with duration of use and in patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Tolmetin is contraindicated for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of CABG surgery.

NSAIDs can also cause an increased risk of serious, sometimes fatal, gastrointestinal adverse events (eg, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines), especially in the elderly.

These events can occur at any time during use and without warning.

Serious side effects of tolmetin

Along with its needed effects, tolmetin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking tolmetin:

More common side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
• swelling
• trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
• vomiting
• weakness
• weight gain

Less common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bladder pain
• blood in the vomit
• bloody or cloudy urine
• blurred or loss of vision
• burning feeling in the chest or stomach
• burning, itching, redness, or stinging of the skin
• chest pain
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• disturbed color perception
• double vision
• frequent urge to urinate
• halos around lights
• indigestion
• lower back or side pain
• night blindness
• overbright appearance of lights
• severe or continuing stomach pain
• stomach upset
• tenderness in the stomach area
• tunnel vision

Rare side effects

• back or leg pains
• bleeding gums
• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• chills
• constipation
• cough or hoarseness
• dark urine
• decreased urine output
• difficulty with breathing
• difficulty with swallowing
• dilated neck veins
• extreme fatigue
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling of discomfort
• fever
• general body swelling
• heartburn
• hives or welts
• increased thirst
• inflammation of the joints
• irregular breathing
• joint or muscle pain
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches
• nosebleeds
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, irritated eyes
• severe and continuing nausea
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
• tightness in the chest
• trouble with breathing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• upper right abdominal pain
• wheezing
• yellow eyes and skin

Other side effects of tolmetin

Some side effects of tolmetin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• bloated full feeling
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• lack or loss of strength
• passing gas
• stomach discomfort
• weight loss

Less common side effects

• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• discouragement
• feeling sad or empty
• hearing loss
• irritability
• loss of interest or pleasure
• sleepiness
• tiredness
• trouble with concentrating
• trouble with sleeping

Rare side effects

• redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tolmetin: oral capsule, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most frequently reported side effect was nausea.^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Hepatitis, liver function abnormalities^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness, drowsiness^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hemoglobin decreased, hematocrit decreased
• Frequency not reported: Lymphadenopathy, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): BUN increased
• Frequency not reported: Renal failure^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactoid reactions^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Skin irritation
• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, purpura, erythema multiforme, toxic epidermal necrolysis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Blood pressure increased
• Frequency not reported: Congestive heart failure^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspepsia, gastrointestinal (GI) distress, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, vomiting, constipation, gastritis, peptic ulcer
• Frequency not reported: GI bleeding, GI perforation, glossitis, stomatitis^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
• Frequency not reported: Hematuria, proteinuria, dysuria^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Serum sickness

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Visual disturbance
• Frequency not reported: Optic neuropathy, retinal/macular changes^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, chest pain, edema, weight gain, weight loss, tinnitus
• Frequency not reported: Fever^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Epistaxis^[Ref]

Further information

Tolmetin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer