A review of NSAID complications: gastrointestinal and more.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely prescribed medications in the world. Their use is associated with significant morbidity, commonly including gastrointestinal, renal, and hepatic effects. Other less common effects include otic, central nervous system (CNS), ophthalmic, allergic, and dermatologic effects. Recognizing and diagnosing potential complications are imperative to obtain favorable outcomes in patients on NSAIDs. Among the NSAIDs currently on the market, there exists a wide variability of incidence of organ-specific side effects. Some of these side effects are class specific, but most are not. Much research also is being performed in the field of COX-2-specific inhibitory agents, which would theoretically reduce the gastrointestinal insult of these drugs. Patient awareness through education is crucial in decreasing morbidity and preventing the adverse effects of these drugs.