Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) and Ulcers

What are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed medications for the inflammation of arthritis and other body tissues, such as in tendinitis and bursitis. The are also used for minor aches and pain.
Examples of NSAIDs include:

• aspirin,
• indomethacin (Indocin),
• ibuprofen (Motrin),
• naproxen (Naprosyn),
• piroxicam (Feldene),
• nabumetone (Relafen), and
• Celecoxib (Celebrex).

NSAIDs are available by prescription or without a prescription (over-the-counter). They are also ingredients in many over the counter medications used for colds and minor aches and pain. They are administered orally as capsules, tablets, liquids, or by injection ketorolac (Toradol). Although not included in this review, NSAIDs are also used as eye drops for eye inflammation (for example, ketorolac tromethamine [Acular]).
NSAIDs are taken regularly by approximately 33 million Americans and over 30 billion doses of NSAIDs are consumed annually in the United States.

What are side effects of NSAIDs?

The major side effects of NSAIDs are related to their effects on the stomach and bowels (gastrointestinal system). Some 10%-50% of patients are unable to tolerate NSAID treatment because of side effects, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Approximately 15% of patients on long-term NSAID treatment develop a peptic ulcer (ulceration of the stomach or duodenum). Even though many of these patients with ulcers do not have symptoms and are unaware of their ulcers, they are at risk of developing serious ulcer complications such as bleeding or perforation of the stomach.
The annual risk of serious complications is 1%-4% with chronic NSAID treatment. The risk of ulcers is higher in elderly patients, in those with rheumatoid arthritis, patients taking blood thinning medications (anticoagulants) such as warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin) or steroid-containing medications (for example, prednisone), and patients with a prior history of bleeding ulcers. (The anticoagulants do not cause NSAID related ulcers. Rather they increase bleeding if NSAID-induced ulcers occur.)
Prior history of ulcers is the most important predictor of NSAID-induced ulcers. Patients with heart disease who are taking aspirin for prevention of heart attacks are also at risk, and the risk of bleeding ulcers doubles if aspirin is combined with other NSAIDs.

How do NSAIDs work and how do they cause stomach problems?

Prostaglandins are natural chemicals that serve as messengers to promote inflammation. By inhibiting the body's production of prostaglandins, NSAIDs decrease inflammation and the symptoms and signs of inflammation, pain, tenderness, and fever. However, certain prostaglandins also are important in protecting the stomach lining from the corrosive effects of stomach acid as well as playing a role in maintaining the natural, healthy condition of the stomach lining. These protective prostaglandins are produced by an enzyme called Cox-1. By blocking the Cox-1 enzyme and disrupting the production of prostaglandins in the stomach, NSAIDs can cause ulcers and bleeding. Some NSAIDs have less effect on prostaglandins in the stomach than others, and, therefore, may have a lower risk of causing ulcers but the increased risk of ulcers still exists.

If a stomach ulcer is detected, how is it treated?

Treatment of NSAID-induced ulcers involves discontinuing the NSAID, reducing stomach acid with H2-blockers, for example, ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid, Axid AR), or, more effectively, with proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) or synthetic prostaglandins, specifically misoprostol (Cytotec). Since H. pylori bacteria is a common cause of ulcers, eradication of the bacteria with a combination of antibiotics may also promote ulcer healing.

Can NSAID-related ulcers and complications be prevented?

NSAIDs are valuable medications for patients with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. For patients who need long-term NSAID treatment, several steps can be taken to decrease NSAID-related ulcers and complications. The risk of ulcers and complications tend to be dose related. Therefore, the smallest effective dose of NSAIDs is taken to minimize the risk. NSAIDs might be selected that have less effect on the stomach production of prostaglandins. Some of these NSAIDs are called selective Cox-2 inhibitors. Cox-2 inhibitors block the Cox-2 enzyme that produces prostaglandins of inflammation without blocking the natural prostaglandin production of Cox-1 in the stomach. Currently in the U.S., the only available Cox-2 inhibitor is celecoxib (Celebrex).
Taking NSAIDs with meals may minimize stomach upset with NSAIDs but not ulcerations.
A synthetic prostaglandin, misoprostol (Cytotec), can be administered orally along with NSAIDs. Misoprostol has been shown to decrease NSAID-induced ulcers and their complications. The side effects of misoprostol include abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Misoprostol is also avoided in pregnant women because it can cause uterine muscle contractions and miscarriage. Standard doses of H2-blockers and proton pump inhibitors reduce the risk of NSAID-induced ulcers.
Scientists are actively searching for safer NSAIDs that are effective anti-inflammatory agents but are not ulcer producing. In the meantime, patients who need long term NSAID treatment should be closely supervised by a doctor. Patients at risk of NSAID-induced ulcers and complications should consider preventive measures, such as using NSAIDs with less prostaglandin disrupting effects on the stomach and using proton pump inhibitors, H2-blockers, or misoprostol. Stopping smoking, and eradicating H. pylori may also be helpful since both smoking and infection with H. pylori themselves cause ulcers.