This article outlines the epidemiology and role of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in causing gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The morbidity and mortality associated with NSAID-induced GI bleeding are discussed, and the mechanisms of NSAID-related GI injury, the potency of various NSAIDs, new NSAIDs associated with a decrease in GI pathology, dual-acting antiinflammatory drugs, hydrogen sulfide-releasing NSAIDs, lipoxygenase/cyclooxygenase, phospholipid NSAIDs, and the comprehensive effects of NSAIDs on the GI tract are described.
Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Inc.