An ulcerogenic effect is the side effects of drugs that have arisen as a result of their long-term use. Most often, they are expressed in the form of damage to the gastric mucosa and lead to the occurrence of various diseases of the digestive system. In case of exceeding the permissible norms for the use of drugs, as well as violation of the instructions for use, the risk of a carcinogenic effect increases significantly.
Symptoms and causes
Due to the regular use of drugs, the production of a protective layer on the walls of the stomach is gradually reduced. As a result, cell damage occurs and bleeding occurs.
Very often, when mentioning the ulcerogenic effect of drugs, they cite the widely known “Aspirin” as an example. Acetylsalicylic acid is part of some drugs and is very often used in treatment. This is a fairly popular anti-inflammatory and analgesic that perfectly discharges blood and normalizes blood pressure.
The drugs most often causing ulcerogenic effects:
- these are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
- as well as glucocorticosteroids (GCS).
Nonsteroidal drugs include antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Glucocorticosteroids are synthetic drugs that have the properties of hormones in the adrenal cortex.
Side effects of NSAIDs
Undesirable effects after taking non-narcotic analgesics have long been causing concern among physicians in many countries. According to statistics, in the United States annually register more than forty thousand hospitalizations, which sometimes end in death. At risk are patients taking drugs from three to five times a day. They are diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding, mucosal ulcers and other complications.
Unfortunately, all attempts to reduce the negative effects of NSAIDs have failed. For example, the pharmaceutical industry produces soluble forms of Aspirin, and yet failed to get rid of the harmful effects of acetylsalicylic acid. Doctors often indicate to patients that an ulcerogenic effect is a rather serious side effect of drugs, which should be taken seriously.
Safe drugs
Among anti-inflammatory drugs, it is difficult to find a similar drug that would be completely safe. To date, only Paracetamol can boast of such properties. As was proved by scientists, it practically does not cause gastrointestinal bleeding, so even small children are allowed to use it. Unlike other NSAIDs, Paracetamol does not have the ability to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins in the mucous membrane.
Operating principle
As a result of the accumulation of NSAIDs, there is an increase in the content of leukocytes, as a result of which leukocyte infiltration occurs. In addition, the blood flow of the tissue is disturbed, and the secretion of bicarbonates is reduced. The ulcerogenic effect is usually characterized by the following factors:
- The inevitable depletion of cytoprotective GHGs, resulting in dissociated oxidative phosphorylation.
- Gradual and rigorous damage to the cells of the gastric mucosa.
The patient's acidity increases over time, and the digestive capacity of the gastric juice decreases as a result of the ulcerogenic effect.
Diseases and their treatment
Such drugs as Aspirin, Butadion, Piroxicam, Ketorolac have a fairly strong ulcerogenic effect. This fact cannot but cause concern. Ibuprofen and Naproxen are slightly weaker. And the safest today are Nabumeton, Aceclofenac and Nimesulide.
In addition to stomach ulcers, the ulcerogenic effect of NSAIDs causes fatty degeneration of the liver, otherwise called Reye syndrome. The occurrence of this disease requires regular exposure to acetylsalicylic acid and viral antigens.
Separately, antibiotics should be noted, which are chemical compounds of a biological nature and also related to ulcerogenic drugs. In order to protect patients, doctors try to use a combination of antibiotics. They are highly discouraged to take longer than the prescribed time. These remedies are intended for quick effect. It is extremely important to observe the intervals between taking the drug, as well as adhere to other indications for use. Otherwise, antibiotics will be detrimental to the beneficial microflora of the stomach.
Patients very often have dysbiosis, accompanied by bloating, diarrhea or constipation. Therefore, often along with taking medications, the doctor prescribes drugs with bifidobacteria.
NSAID Admission Rules
Doctors advise to adhere to the following rules in order to minimize the appearance of ulcerogenic effects in pharmacology. This means that patients, first of all, should take into account the norms of taking drugs and not exceed the daily dosage.
- "Indomethacin" is consumed after meals in an amount not exceeding twenty-five grams and not more than three times a day. The drug is contraindicated in case of gastric ulcer, and among the side effects there is a headache, as well as anemia.
- The most dangerous substance is acetylsalicylic acid, used only after eating. It is taken in an amount of from 0.5 to 1 milligram and not more than four times a day. Side effects include stomach pain, nausea, and anemia. It is highly undesirable to take Aspirin for peptic ulcer and a tendency to bleeding the stomach. Acetylsalicylic acid is found in drugs such as Askofen, Citramon, Alcozelzer and Sedalgin.
- A phenylacetic acid-based preparation (Diclofenac Sodium) is used after meals in an amount of not more than twenty-five milligrams two to three times a day.
Propionic acid preparations (Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen) have similar effects as Indomethacin. In short, with careful observance of the instructions for use, you can reduce the risk of ulcerogenic effects. Sometimes patients require rehabilitation therapy after a course of NSAID treatment.