For a patent ductus arteriosus, which medication is often used?

Indomethacin is commonly used to treat a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), particularly in premature infants. This medication is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, leading to a decrease in prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins are crucial for keeping the ductus arteriosus open, so by reducing their levels, indomethacin can promote the closure of the patent ductus arteriosus.

In the case of neonates, especially those who are premature, a PDA can lead to significant complications such as congestive heart failure and pulmonary overcirculation. By administering indomethacin, physicians can effectively manage this condition and aid in the ductus closure without the need for surgical intervention in many cases.

While other options like aspirin or ibuprofen can have some anti-inflammatory effects, they are not the first-line treatment for a PDA closure. Prostaglandin E1, on the other hand, is actually used to maintain ductal patency in certain congenital heart defects rather than induce closure. Thus, indomethacin is considered the most appropriate medication for achieving closure of a patent ductus arteriosus in