Prostaglandin E2 tablets prevent aspirin-induced blood loss in man

A double-blind study was performed to determine the effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) tablets on aspirin-induced blood loss in 20 healthy male volunteers. All subjects took aspirin, and 9 in the control group and 11 in the treatment group received placebo and PGE2 respectively. One tablet of PGE2, 0.5 mg, was given four times daily for five days. Two tablets of unbuffered aspirin (640 mg) were given four times daily for four days commencing one day after the start of the PGE2 or placebo. Fecal blood loss was measured using 51Cr-labeled red cells. There was no significant difference in serum salicylate levels. There was a significant increase in fecal blood loss in control subjects on the third and fourth days on aspirin and for 4 days following aspirin ingestion. In the treatment group, fecal blood loss was prevented by PGE2.