BMJ  2004;329 (23 October), doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7472.0-c

More than one drug protects the stomach from NSAIDs

Different therapeutic options are available to protect the stomach in people using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Reviewing more than 100 trials on gastroprotective strategies for people taking NSAIDs, Hooper and colleagues (p 948) found that misoprostol and COX-2 specific and selective NSAIDs (and probably proton pump inhibitors) reduce the risk of symptomatic ulcers. Misoprostol (and probably COX-2 NSAIDs) reduce the risk of serious gastrointestinal complications, but data quality is low. Data on H₂ receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are not conclusive.

Credit: PETER CULL/SPL

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The effectiveness of five strategies for the prevention of gastrointestinal toxicity induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: systematic review

Lee Hooper, Tamara J Brown, Rachel Elliott, Katherine Payne, Chris Roberts, and Deborah Symmons
BMJ 2004 329: 948. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]