It is therefore a heterogeneous group of drugs which nevertheless share their mechanism of action and therapeutic effects.
In this article we will mainly deal with the side effects and contraindications of NSAIDs. It should be noted, however, that given the great variability of active ingredients belonging to the group of NSAIDs, it is difficult to describe in detail the undesirable effects and contraindications of each of them.
The purpose of this article, therefore, is to provide general indications of the side effects and contraindications common to most NSAIDs. For more detailed information on specific active ingredients, please refer to the reading of the dedicated articles on this site and, above all, to reading the package leaflet of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that must be taken.
taken into consideration.
However, there are some of these effects that are common to most non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. In detail, we are talking about the undesirable effects that occur in the gastrointestinal tract.
NSAIDs, in fact, due to their mechanism of action - ie the inhibition of the cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX) responsible for the synthesis of some eicosanoids - hinder the synthesis of prostaglandins which play a protective role in the gastric mucosa. Bring to:
- Irritation and heartburn;
- Worsening and worsening of peptic ulcer symptoms;
- Formation of ulcers;
- Erosive gastritis;
- In severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeding.
The active ingredients belonging to the group of NSAIDs may have a more or less pronounced gastrological action, but all are potentially capable of causing similar undesirable effects. This is the reason why it is usually advisable to take these drugs on a full stomach. moreover, in some cases, the doctor may deem it necessary to associate treatment with gastroprotective drugs to NSAID therapy.
Other side effects that may occur include:
- Dyspepsia;
- Nausea;
- He retched;
- Diarrhea.
Risk factors
In general, if NSAIDs are used following the instructions given on the package insert and the instructions provided by the doctor, the risk of developing gastrointestinal side effects is reduced. However, there are some factors that can potentially increase the risk of developing similar effects. Among these we remember:
- Old age;
- Presence of previous gastrointestinal pathologies;
- Simultaneous use of other medicines that may expose you to the risk of gastrointestinal perforation and bleeding (for example, corticosteroid drugs);
- Presence of some types of diseases (such as, for example, diabetes);
- Long duration of NSAID treatment (the longer the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy is prolonged, the greater the risk of gastrointestinal side effects);
- Concomitant intake of different types of NSAIDs (a practice which, moreover, is not recommended).
