Which medication is known to close a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?

Indomethacin is an effective medication for closing a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), particularly in preterm infants. It is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, leading to decreased levels of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are critical in maintaining the patency of the ductus arteriosus, which connects the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta in fetal circulation. By reducing prostaglandin levels, indomethacin promotes the closure of the ductus arteriosus.

This mechanism is especially relevant in clinical scenarios where a PDA needs to be therapeutically closed to prevent complications such as heart failure or pulmonary hypertension in immature infants. Indomethacin is often administered intravenously in hospital settings, and its effectiveness is supported by both clinical practice and research.

In contrast, Prostaglandin E1 is used to maintain a PDA in certain conditions, such as in infants with critical congenital heart defects requiring ductal patency for adequate systemic and pulmonary blood flow. Aspirin and Warfarin are anticoagulants and have different primary goals, such as reducing blood clot risks, rather than specifically targeting the closure of