An unreported complication of intravenously administered ibuprofen: gastrointestinal bleeding

Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2012 Mar;16(3):325-7.

Abstract

Ibuprofen is used for the closure of ductus arteriosus either intravenously or enterally. Although intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, transient renal failure, oliguria, hyponatremia and thrombocytopenia are reported complications during or after ibuprofen treatment, gastrointestinal bleeding, to our knowledge, has not been reported previously. We herein report a premature newborn, in whom ibuprofen was used intravenously for the closure of ductus arteriosus and gastrointestinal bleeding developed as a complication, and aim to discuss this rare adverse effect. In conclusion, we emphasize the importance of close follow-up of premature newborns during intravenous ibuprofen treatment considering also the other rare systemic side effects reported in the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Ibuprofen / administration & dosage*
  • Ibuprofen / adverse effects*
  • Ibuprofen / therapeutic use
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / complications
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / physiopathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Ibuprofen