The effect of indomethacin on kidney function and plasma renin activity in man

125Iothalamate and 131I-hippuran clearances, sodium excretion and plasma renin activity (PRA) before and during indomethacin administration in an oral dose of 3 x 50 mg/day were studied in volunteers with a normal or reduced kidney function, as well on non-sodium-restricted as on sodium-restricted diet. Indomethacin induced a temporary sodium and water retention and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate. It also lowered PRA. The latter phenomenon did not depend on sodium retention and was present within 2 h after an oral dose of 50 mg. The results may be explained by indomethacin-induced inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.