Effect of inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis on hepatic drug clearance.

The effect of inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis on the systemic clearance of indocyanine green and antipyrine was studied in seven subjects. Antipyrine clearance was not altered by indomethacin suggesting that oxidative metabolism was not affected. Both aspirin and indomethacin decreased the clearance of indocyanine green presumably by reducing liver blood flow. These results suggest that an effect of inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis on hepatic drug clearance is likely to be confined to high clearance drugs when given systemically.