Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents on the upper gastro-intestinal tract: gastroscopic findings in Nigerians.

The effect of 4 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, viz Aspirin, Piroxicam, Ibuprofen and Indomethacin on the gastric mucosa of the African was studied on 34 volunteers who had no previous symptoms of acid peptic diseases. Aspirin caused the worst lesions while piroxicam caused the least lesions. The indiscriminate prescription of these drugs, particularly drugs containing acetosalicylic acid should be avoided.