Inadvertent Relaxation of the Ductus Arteriosus by Pharmacologic Agents that are Commonly Used in the Neonatal Period Seminars in Perinatology, 06/10/

Reese J et al. – Exposure of premature infants to unintended vasodilatory stimuli may be one of the risk factors for PDA that is underrecognized. In this article, authors summarize the clinical factors that are associated with PDA and review commonly used neonatal drugs for their vasodilatory properties. Data demonstrating relaxation of the ductus arteriosus by gentamicin and other aminoglycoside antibiotics, by cimetidine and other H2 receptor antagonists, and by heparin are provided as examples of neonatal therapies that have unanticipated effects that may promote PDA.

I need to check the original articles to check the how significant this is!