Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the newborn - which ones?
OBJECTIVE
To determine which nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are being used in newborns.


METHODS
NSAID use was examined in local neonatal units and in published literature indexed by PubMed.


RESULTS
Various NSAIDs are being used in newborns. Indomethacin and ibuprofen are used worldwide for closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Both have been tested in randomized clinical trials and are approved by FDA and EMEA for PDA closure in newborns. Indomethacin, but not ibuprofen is used for prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Ketorolac is being studied as a potential parenteral analgesic and as a topical drug for prevention of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Others are associated with severe adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
NSAIDs remain as active drugs used for PDA closure and IVH prevention. Potential uses including analgesia and retinopathy prevention are currently being studied.
Aranda
Jacob V
JV
State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA. jaranda@downstate.edu
Beharry
Kay D
KD
Valencia
Gloria B
GB
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000188:drug therapy; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D020910:Ketorolac / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007052:Ibuprofen; D007213:Indomethacin; D020910:Ketorolac