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Is no NSAID a good NSAID? approaches to NSAID-associated upper gastrointestinal disease

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Abstract

Upper gastrointestinal disease induced by use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remains a major problem that affects a broad segment of the population, given the frequent use of these drugs by prescription and over the counter. The emergence of the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 selective inhibitors (coxibs) has introduced a new option that may result in less upper gastrointestinal disease. Recent large studies have demonstrated this advantage, with the caveat that concurrent use of low-dose aspirin may mitigate this benefit. Unfortunately, the relatively high cost of the coxibs makes them not cost-effective unless confined to certain higher-risk populations. Finally, even newer versions of NSAIDs, such as nitric oxide (NO)-releasing aspirin and the COX-inhibiting NO donors, are potential alternatives to traditional NSAIDs with less upper gastrointestinal toxicity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 N. St. Clair Street, Suite1400, 60611, Chicago, IL, USA

    Stephen Y. Chang MD & Colin W. Howden MD

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  1. Stephen Y. Chang MD
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  2. Colin W. Howden MD
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Chang, S.Y., Howden, C.W. Is no NSAID a good NSAID? approaches to NSAID-associated upper gastrointestinal disease. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 6, 447–453 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-004-0066-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-004-0066-6

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