[Damages to the large intestine induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents]

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause side effects in the large bowel. We describe two cases which illustrate some of the aspects associated with this problem, and briefly outline the different types of side effects encountered, and possible pathogenetic mechanisms. It is emphasized that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause exacerbation of quiescent colitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The use of these drugs in such patients should be very restrictive. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also precipitate de novo colitis. They are also associated with collagenous colitis, non-gangrenous ischemic colitis, complications to diverticular disease, and ulceration of the colon.