Therapeutic Options in the Treatment and Prevention of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Ulceration

Abstract

This article reviews the current status of H₂ receptor antagonists, omeprazole, sucralfate and misoprostol as therapeutic options for the prophylaxis and treatment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastrointestinal ulceration. The efficacy of the Hz receptor antagonists appears to be restricted to prophylaxis and treatment of NSAID-induced duodenal ulcer disease. Omeprazole may have a place in the future treatment of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers. However, more studies are necessary to examine this drug's efficacy in both the prophylaxis and treatment of NSAID-induced ulceration. Sucralface improves symptoms, but does not appear to have any effect on improving gastric mucosal damage when compared to placebo. It may, however, be useful in the treatment of NSAID-induced duodenal ulcers. Misoprostol is effective in both the prophylaxis and treatment of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers; however, its exact role in the prophylaxis and treatment of NSAlD-induced duodenal ulcers remains to be defined.