[Treatment and prevention of histamine-2 receptor antagonist for elderly gastric ulcer]

H. pylori infection and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) are considered the two major causes of gastric mucosal lesions. Chronic administration of NSAIDs is associated with an increased incidence of significant adverse events such as upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage or perforation. The inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, the decrease of gastric mucosal blood flow and the involvement of gastric acid are believed to be the mechanisms of NSAIDs-associated gastric mucosal lesions. In future, the significance of NSAIDs-associated gastric mucosal lesions may increase in Japan. Many studies have reported that proton pump inhibitor, high dosages of histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA), and prostaglandin analogs provide excellent prevention and therapeutic actions for NSAIDs-associated gastric ulcer. Additionally, recent studies have shown that regular dosages of H2RA provide excellent prevention and therapeutic actions for NSAIDs-associated gastric mucosal lesions in Japan.