Gastrointestinal side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the most common location for side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs may cause problems in any part of the GI tract, from the esophagus to the rectum. The severity of these side effects ranges from nuisance symptoms such as dyspepsia to life-threatening ulcer complications. The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the various GI side effects of these commonly prescribed drugs are reviewed in this article.