NSAIDS, GASTROINTESTINAL INJURY, AND CYTOPROTECTION

Gastrointestinal toxicity caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory dru gs (NSAIDs) is the most frequent drug side effect in the United States . NSAIDs are implicated in the development of complicated peptic ulcer disease and injury to the small bowel and colon. NSAIDs interfere wit h prostaglandin-mediated epithelial defense mechanisms and also cause direct epithelial toxicity. Current and future approaches to the preve ntion and management of NSAID injury are reviewed.