Question:

Indomethacin belongs to which chemical class of NSAIDS?

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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are grouped by the chemical skeleton attached to their carboxylic acid (–COOH) group. Knowing the core ring of a drug lets you predict its chemical family.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Aryl and Heteroaryl acetic acid
  • Aryl and Heteroaryl propionic acid
  • Indole-3 acetic acid
  • N-aryl anthranilic acid
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are grouped by the chemical skeleton attached to their carboxylic acid (–COOH) group. Knowing the core ring of a drug lets you predict its chemical family.

Step 1: Look at the structure of Indomethacin. Its backbone is an indole ring (a benzene fused with a pyrrole) carrying an acetic acid side chain at the 3-position.

Step 2: Because the acetic acid group sits on the 3-position of the indole nucleus, Indomethacin is classified as an indole-3-acetic acid derivative.

Why the others are wrong: Aryl/heteroaryl acetic acids like diclofenac use a plain aryl ring, not an indole. Propionic acid derivatives (ibuprofen, naproxen) have a –CH(CH3)COOH chain. N-aryl anthranilic acids are the fenamates (mefenamic acid). None of these match the indole core of indomethacin.

Answer: Option (3) — Indole-3 acetic acid.
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