Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors and their effects on the fetus and the newborn.

It has now been recognised that prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors can have effects on fetal and neonatal well being. These drugs have been used for the inhibition of premature labour and since they readily cross the placenta, they may adversely affect the fetus by causing premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. These drugs have been used for the medical closure of patent ductus arteriosus in neonates. In the doses used various toxic effects have been reported. To minimise these effects it is recommended that treatment of neonates, with prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors be carried out in a special care unit under the supervision of a trained neonatologist.