Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: gastroduodenal injury and beyond.

The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is extensive, and the upper gastrointestinal (GI) side effects of these drugs have been well recognized. Although much attention has been focused on gastroduodenal ulceration and attendant complications, it is becoming more apparent that NSAIDs exert potentially important effects on the small bowel and colon. The widespread effects of NSAIDs on the GI system, including theories of pathogenesis, will be presented here.