Proton pump inhibitors NSAIDs

In patients at risk for NSAID-induced ulcers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) at standard doses reduce the risk of both gastric and duodenal ulcers as effectively as misoprostol and are generally better tolerated. 

H2RA, histamine2-receptor antagonist NSAID, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug PPI, proton pump inhibitor. (Adapted from Berardi RR, Welage LS. Peptic ulcer disease. In DiPiro JT, Talbert RL,... 

The analgesic effects of NSAIDs are attributed to inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme, whereas the negative GI effects are due to inhibition of COX-1.28 Patients taking oral anticoagulants, those with a history of peptic ulcer disease, or others at high risk for GI complications may be considered candidates for a COX-2 inhibitor or a combination of a nonselective NSAID with a gastroprotective agent such as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Because most PPIs are available by prescription only, such patients should be referred to a physician. 

Although the risk of GI complications is relatively small with short-term therapy, coadministration with a proton pump inhibitor should be considered in elderly patients and others at increased GI risk. NSAIDs should be used with caution in individuals with a history of peptic ulcer disease, heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, renal insufficiency, coronary artery disease, or if they are receiving anticoagulants concurrently. 

FIGURE 2-1. Treatment for osteoarthritis. (COX, cyclooxygenase IA, intraarticular NSAID, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug OA, osteoarthritis PPI, proton pump inhibitor.)... 

For OA patients who need an NSAID but are at high risk for GI complications, the ACR recommendations include either a COX-2 selective inhibitor or a nonselective NSAID in combination with either a proton pump inhibitor or misoprostol. 

The addition of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treatment with conventional NSAIDs is probably the most cost-effective alternative for the prevention of gastrointestinal events. Addition of misoprostol is also a well-documented prophylactic routine. 

Answer Peptic ulcer disease is most frequently secondary to either Helicobacter pylori infection or use of NSAIDs. The patient does admit to NSAID use (naproxen), but should also be checked for concomitant H. pylori infection at time of endoscopy or by a serology test. If the patient was found to have H. pylori, an appropriate eradication regimen should be prescribed. The patient should also be counseled to avoid NSAIDs. The patient should be prescribed a proton pump inhibitor for 8 weeks to heal the ulcer. A repeat endoscopy should be done at that time to document ulcer healing and rule out gastric cancer. In addition, the patient should be counseled to stop smoking, which is a risk factor for more severe peptic ulcer disease. 

Geriatric Considerations - Summary Use of NSAIDs in older adults increases the risk of GI complications including gastric ulceration, bleeding, and perforation. These complications are not necessarily preceded by less severe GI symptoms. Concomitant use of a proton pump inhibitor or misoprostol reduces the risk for gastric ulceration and bleeding, but may not prevent long-term GI toxicity. No clinical data exist to support reduced GI toxicity with the use of diclofenac. 

Geriatric Considerations-Summary Adjust dose based on creatinine clearance. Not effective in preventing NSAID-induced gastric ulceration and bleeding proton pump inhibitors should be used for this indication instead. 

For patients with ulcers caused by aspirin or other NSAIDs, either H2 antagonists or proton pump inhibitors provide rapid ulcer healing so long as the NSAID is discontinued however continued use of the NSAID impairs ulcer healing. In patients with NSAID-induced ulcers who require continued NSAID therapy, treatment with a once- or twice-daily proton pump inhibitor more reliably promotes ulcer healing. 

Asymptomatic peptic ulceration develops in 10-20% of people taking frequent NSAIDs, and ulcer-related complications (bleeding, perforation) develop in 1-2% of persons per year. Proton pump inhibitors taken once daily are effective in reducing the incidence of ulcers and ulcer complications in patients taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. 

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