What is the recommended medication for closing a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a newborn?

Indomethacin is the recommended medication for closing a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in a newborn due to its role as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins play a crucial role in maintaining the patency of the ductus arteriosus, so by reducing their levels, indomethacin effectively promotes the closure of the ductus.

Indomethacin works particularly well in preterm infants where the ductus arteriosus is often patent due to the ongoing effects of prostaglandins, which are kept elevated in these cases. Clinical studies have shown its effectiveness in closing PDAs, leading to reduced complications such as heart failure and pulmonary overcirculation in affected infants.

Although other medications like ibuprofen can also be used for PDA closure, indomethacin remains a first-line treatment option due to its long-standing established efficacy in this context. Other choices listed, such as aspirin and furosemide, do not play a significant role in the pharmacological management of PDA. Aspirin is primarily used for antiplatelet purposes and does not have the same direct effect on ductal closure, while furosemide is a