Side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the small and large intestine in humans.
BACKGROUND
It is not widely appreciated that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause damage distal to the duodenum. We reviewed the adverse effects of NSAIDs on the large and small intestine, the clinical implications and pathogenesis.


METHODS
A systematic search was made through Medline and Embase to identify possible adverse effects of NSAIDs on the large and small intestine.


RESULTS
Ingested NSAIDs may cause a nonspecific colitis (in particular, fenemates), and many patients with collagenous colitis are taking NSAIDs. Large intestinal ulcers, bleeding, and perforation are occasionally due to NSAIDs. NSAIDs may cause relapse of classic inflammatory bowel disease and contribute to serious complications of diverticular disease (fistula and perforation). NSAIDs may occasionally cause small intestinal perforation, ulcers, and strictures requiring surgery. NSAIDs, however, frequently cause small intestinal inflammation, and the associated complications of blood loss and protein loss may lead to difficult management problems. The pathogenesis of NSAID enteropathy is a multistage process involving specific biochemical and subcellular organelle damage followed by a relatively nonspecific tissue reaction. The various possible treatments of NSAID-induced enteropathy (sulphasalazine, misoprostol, metronidazole) have yet to undergo rigorous trials.


CONCLUSIONS
The adverse effects of NSAIDs distal to the duodenum represent a range of pathologies that may be asymptomatic, but some are life threatening.
Bjarnason
I
I
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, England.
Hayllar
J
J
MacPherson
A J
AJ
Russell
A S
AS
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003106:Colon / Q000187:drug effects; D004751:Enteritis / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D007416:Intestinal Perforation / Q000139:chemically induced; D007420:Intestine, Large / Q000187:drug effects*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000187:drug effects*; D010539:Permeability
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal