title: Gastrointestinal side-effects of NSAIDs in the community.
abstract: The prevalence of a range of gastrointestinal symptoms was compared in 1014 cases, identified in general practice, receiving chronic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment and 975 matched community controls. The NSAIDs being taken included aspirin (33%), ibuprofen (17%), naproxen (11%), piroxicam (9%), indomethacin (8%), and diclofenac (7%). The 12-month prevalence of dyspepsia in cases was 46% and in controls 43%, with no differences in symptoms prevalence between those taking aspirin and other NSAIDs or between individual NSAIDs. About one-third of the cases had consulted a GP about their symptoms and 7% had a co-prescription for an H2-receptor antagonist. Lower-bowel symptoms were more common in the NSAID-taking cases, particularly constipation and straining, and constipation was a more common reason for stopping medication than dyspepsia.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice, Guy's and St Thomas's Medical and Dental School, London.
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Tait
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D014504:Urban Health
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal