title: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: benefits, risks, and COX-2 selectivity.
abstract: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequently prescribed class of medication for arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. NSAIDs block prostaglandin production, thereby reducing pain and inflammation, but may also cause significant side effects, particularly ulcers in stomach and duodenum. Some risk factors include age, previous history of ulcer, and high dose of NSAID. Synthetic prostaglandins, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors have been employed to reduce risks with varying degrees of success. New NSAIDs that block only prostaglandins at sites of inflammation (COX-2 selective NSAIDs) may be significantly safer than traditional NSAIDs.
authors.affiliation: Medical College of Wisconsin, St. Joseph's Hospital, Milwaukee, USA.
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Halverson
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001168:Arthritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors