[Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents--choice between disturbances of gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular toxicity]

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are used more than 100 years. Most of them can cause undesirable effects on gastrointestinal tract: ulceration, bleeding and perforation of stomach and duodenum. Gastrointestinal toxicity is diminished when selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors are used. However, recent clinical trials have showed that the use of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors increases the risk of cardiovascular event and cerebrovascular accident. According to the data such risk may be high using also nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, however, it is lesser. Incidence rates of the cardiovascular events and cerebrovascular accidents increase due to activated thrombotic activity. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents are very useful in the management of rheumatic diseases and as pain relievers. Choosing appropriate nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent it is essential to consider the risk of gastrointestinal as well cardiovascular damage.