title: 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.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tuskey
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peura
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015738:Famotidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D015738:Famotidine; D007052:Ibuprofen