Review: interactions between H2-antagonists and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are being prescribed increasingly with an H2-antagonist. This article reviews those published studies which have examined the potential for pharmacokinetic and, where appropriate, pharmacodynamic interactions between these classes of drugs. Studies involving the administration of a single dose of a NSAID to young healthy volunteers are of limited relevance in establishing the likely effect of an H2-antagonist on the blood concentrations of an NSAID in patients. Appropriate studies are those which will examine the effects of H2-antagonists on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of NSAIDs in patients with inflammatory joint diseases. More of such studies are required, particularly involving elderly patients.