Ibuprofen lysine (NeoProfen) for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) affects approximately 31% of infants whose birth weight is between 501 and 1500 g. The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that allows blood to bypass the pulmonary vasculature in utero. Oxygen delivery and elimination of prostaglandins are essential for the closure of the ductus after birth. For years, indomethacin has been the drug of choice for the treatment of PDA in the USA. Undesirable adverse effects prompted researchers to seek alternative agents. In April 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of ibuprofen lysine (NeoProfen) for closure of clinically significant PDA in premature neonates. Ibuprofen's mechanism of action for closure of PDA is believed to be through the inhibition of prostaglandins. Clinical studies have shown ibuprofen to be as effective as indomethacin with fewer adverse effects.