Review article: non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs--the extending scope of gastrointestinal side effects

The gastrointestinal side effects of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs extend beyond the duodenal bulb, and comprise a variety of lesions in all parts of the gut. Gastroduodenal ulceration is quantitatively dominant, although a major part of these lesions probably go unnoticed and heal spontaneously. Adaptation has been demonstrated for acetylsalicylic acid, and may be of importance for other substances as well. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may induce relapse of inflammatory bowel disease. Permeability changes and mucosal inflammation are found in the small and large bowel in the majority of subjects taking NSAIDs, although the clinical significance is still not clear. Ulceration and perforation do, however, occur in this part of the gut as well. Treatment of NSAID-associated ulceration is similar to traditional ulcer treatment, possibly with extended treatment duration if the NSAID is continued. Prophylaxis is of some value, but is not required for every patient receiving an NSAID.