The use of H2 antagonists in treating and preventing NSAID-induced mucosal damage.

Abstract

Pain affects the quality of life for millions of individuals and is a major reason for healthcare utilization. As populations age, medical personnel will need to manage more and more patients suffering from pain associated with degenerative and inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an effective treatment for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain; however, their use is associated with potentially significant gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. Guidelines suggest various strategies to prevent problems in those at risk for NSAID-associated GI complications. In this article, we review the data supporting one such strategy - the use of histamine type-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) - for the prevention of GI adverse events in NSAID users. Older studies suggest that high-dose H2RAs are effective in preventing upper GI ulcers and dyspepsia. This suggestion was recently confirmed during clinical trials with a new ibuprofen/famotidine combination that reduced the risk of ulcers by 50% compared with ibuprofen alone.

• Authors: Anne Tuskey, David Peura
• Journal: Arthritis research & therapy (Arthritis Res Ther) Vol. 15 Suppl 3 Pg. S6 ( 2013) ISSN: 1478-6362 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24267478 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Anti-Ulcer Agents
• Histamine H2 Antagonists
• Famotidine
• Ibuprofen

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Anti-Ulcer Agents (therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Famotidine (therapeutic use)
• Gastrointestinal Diseases (chemically induced, drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Histamine H2 Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Ibuprofen (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Intestinal Mucosa (drug effects, pathology)
• Stomach Ulcer (chemically induced, drug therapy, prevention & control)