DISPOSITION OF INDOMETHACIN IN PRETERM INFANTS

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  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 95  (2) , 313-316
Abstract
Indomethacin is used for pharmacologic closure of PDA [patent ductus arteriosus] in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Drug response was variable and drug disposition in preterm infants is not understood. The pharmacokinetics of indomethacin was studied in 9 preterm infants with birth weights from 800-1960 gm and gestational ages of 28-36 wk. Three different dose schedules (0.1, 0.25, 0.3 mg/kg per dose) were used. The plasma half-life of indomethacin ranged from 11-20 h. Peak levels were achieved within 4 h and ranged from 0.027-0.310 .mu.g/ml. The half-life in infant < 32 wk gestation was significantly prolonged compared to that in infants > 32 wk. Protein-binding studies with 14C indomethacin showed that 98% of indomethacin was protein bound. Absorption of orally administered indomethacin appears to be poor and incomplete. No immediate major complications could be correlated to indomethacin therapy.