NSAIDs are widely used to treat pain and rheumatic conditions, but they induce adverse events in different body systems, although the major, most frequent events occur in the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. Areas covered: This review is focused on damage caused by NSAIDs in the upper and lower GI tracts, the different mechanisms of damage and the GI-sparing NSAIDs designed to minimize adverse events based on understanding of these mechanisms. Expert commentary: Among the new NSAIDs, COX-2 selective inhibitors have been extensively investigated, and some were approved for human use. Celecoxib demonstrated its safety for the entire GI tract, compared to traditional NSAIDs. However, coxibs, like traditional NSAIDs, are toxic to the cardiovascular (CV) system. Other GI-sparing agents include nitric oxide-NSAIDs and phosphatidylcholine-associated NSAIDs. Testing in animal models and humans they showed GI advantages over the parent NSAID compounds, but none obtained regulatory approval or were further investigated. Hydrogen sulfide-releasing NSAIDs are currently under clinical development, and more data are needed before clinical use. Alternative therapies, such as modulating gut microbiota, are being explored. Currently, clinicians must continue prescribing traditional NSAIDs or coxibs, associated with/without proton pump inhibitor therapy, based on the presence of GI/CV risk factors.
Keywords: COX-2 selective inhibitors; NSAIDs; gastrointestinal; hydrogen sulfide; nitric oxide; phosphatidylcholine.