Ibuprofen lysine (Neoprofen) is an injectable medication used to treat a heart condition in newborn babies called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). It's given by a healthcare provider in a hospital setting.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a condition where a blood vessel near the top of the heart, called the ductus arteriosus, doesn't close normally in babies after they're born. In other words, babies born with PDA have a hole at the top of their heart. This hole causes blood to not flow properly, which can lead to many problems with the heart and lungs. It's most common in premature infants (babies who are born too early).
Ibuprofen lysine (Neoprofen) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to close a PDA in babies who are born early by 2 months or more (32 weeks gestational age or younger). The way it helps to close the blood vessel isn't fully understood, but researchers think it works by blocking chemicals called prostaglandins which normally keep blood vessels open.
Ibuprofen lysine (Neoprofen) is infused through the veins (IV). The provider will calculate your baby's dose based on your baby's body weight. Your baby will receive a total of 3 doses of this medication over the course of 2 days. Afterwards, their provider will see how their body responds to this medication.
If ibuprofen lysine (Neoprofen) didn't close the blood vessel or if the blood vessel reopens again, your baby's provider might give them a second round of ibuprofen lysine (Neoprofen). Sometimes, their provider might suggest other medication options or surgery.
Some common side effects of ibuprofen lysine (Neoprofen) include whole-body inflammation from an infection (sepsis), low red blood cell counts (anemia), bleeding in the brain, breathing problems, stomach problems, lung infection, and kidney damage. Your baby's provider will monitor them for side effects while they're getting treatment with ibuprofen lysine (Neoprofen).
During your visits with your baby, look out for signs of skin irritations, bleeds, and any infections during or after ibuprofen lysine (Neoprofen) infusions. Ibuprofen lysine (Neoprofen) can irritate your baby's skin at the location the needle goes into the vein. Your baby's provider will monitor this, but let them know if you notice any redness or swelling in this area. Ibuprofen lysine (Neoprofen) can also affect blood clotting, so keep an eye on your baby for signs of bleeding, including bloody urine or stool. This medication can also mask signs of infection, so watch your baby closely and report any unusual symptoms or behavior to your baby's provider.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.