SALICYLATE-INDUCED GASTRO-INTESTINAL BLEEDING - COMPARISON BETWEEN SOLUBLE BUFFERED, ENTERIC-COATED, AND INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 6  (2) , 210-218
Abstract
Serum salicylate levels and blood loss in stools were compared in 94 patients after intake of various forms of acetylsalicylate. Four different oral soluble forms, an enteric-coated variety and an i.v. form were evaluated. Analysis of the results of blood loss measurement in stools showed that salicylate users could be divided into bleeders and non-bleeders. Administration of enteric-coated and i.v. forms of salicylates showed less blood loss than ingestion of soluble forms. Only after administration of enteric-coated or i.v. forms of salicylates was a relationship between serum salicylate level and blood loss in stools observed in bleeders. This suggests a similar mode of action of both these preparations on gastric mucosa. Enteric-coated forms of salicylates apparently cause gastrointestinal bleeding by a systemic action on gastric mucosa.