Could a common painkiller replace ibuprofen for preemie heart treatment?

NCT ID NCT04037514

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether paracetamol works as well as ibuprofen for closing a common heart duct problem in premature infants. 133 babies born at or before 30 weeks were randomly given one of the two drugs. The goal was to see which drug closes the duct more effectively and safely.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

paracetamol and ibuprofen

What this could lead to

If paracetamol works as well as ibuprofen, it could offer a safer option for closing a heart duct in premature babies.

What could go wrong

This is a completed Phase 3 trial with 133 infants, but results may not apply to all preemies. Both drugs have known side effects, and the duct may still reopen.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

patent ductus arteriosus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hospital Materno-Infantil (Hospital Regional Carlos Haya) Málaga:

    Málaga, Málaga, Spain

  • Hospital Reina Sofía

    Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain

  • Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe

    Valencia, Valencia, 46026, Spain

  • Hospital Universitario de Cabueñes

    Gijón, Gijón, Spain