Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective for pain relief and treatment of arthritis, they can induce gastric and duodenal ulcers and life-threatening complications. The mechanisms of their anti-inflammatory action and their gastroduodenal toxic effects are related, in part, to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. This review article discusses prostaglandins, their functions in the gastrointestinal tract, anti-inflammatory actions of NSAIDs, and mechanisms by which NSAIDs produce gastroduodenal ulcers. Also reviewed are risk factors associated with the development of NSAID-related ulcers and pharmacologic strategies for the prevention and treatment of NSAID-induced ulcers.
(Arch Intern Med. 1992;152:1145-1155)