Gastrointestinal effects of NSAIDs

Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. In a significant minority, however, gastrointestinal side effects may result in serious complications. Because these complications may be asymptomatic, physicians prescribing NSAIDs must weigh the analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits of the drugs against their potential for causing adverse outcomes. In this article, the authors focus on the more common effects of the medications on the upper gastrointestinal tract.