Mechanisms of Damage Involved in Small Intestinal Tract Caused by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly used type of drugs, as they are very effective as antiinflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic. Their use has increased dramatically over the years even without a medicalprescription¸however the use of NSAIDs is limited due to the adverse effect in the gastrointestinal tract, heart and kidney. Thisresearch work is focused on the adverse effect in the gastrointestinal tract. The mechanisms involved in gastric damage caused byNSAIDs are well known compared to those in the intestinal area. Research on NSAID-induced intestinal damage is very limited,despite its higher mortality rate, partially due to the difficulty of reaching this area. Therefore, this review mentions some of themechanisms involved in small intestinal damage to help as a reference to continue doing research about new strategies to come upwith an effective clinical therapy.