Prevention of NSAID-gastropathy.

The role is reviewed of gastric antisecretory and mucosal protective drugs in the prevention of NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal mucosal lesions. The results of the randomized, double-blind, controlled trials show that misoprostol is the only antiulcer drug proven to be effective in the prevention of NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers as well as for reducing serious upper gastrointestinal complications (perforation and/or haemorrhage). However, recent data suggest that even omeprazole and high dose of H2-receptor antagonists may have a role in the prevention of NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcerations.