The pharmacokinetics of NSAID's are thought to be the same in infants over 3 months of age as those in adults. However, immature renal and hepatic function in preterm neonates may result in markedly prolonged elimination times.
Their is little knowledge about the safety of indomethacin and diclofenac in infants; the only licensed analgesic in infants is mefenamic acid, which can be used after 6 months of age for a maximum of 7 days. It is given in the form of a suspension containing 50mg in 5ml; the divided dose is 25/mg/kg/day.
At one year, diclofenac may be used postoperatively in 12.5 mg suppository form; it is not licensed for this use, unlike ibuprofen, which is given as a suspension at a dose of 20mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses.
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