Famotidine for the Prevention of Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers Caused by Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs

Gastroduodenal damage can be seen on endoscopy in 20 to 40 percent of people who take nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In epidemiologic studies, the risks of peptic ulcer and death are three to six times higher among people who take these drugs than among those who do not. 1 , 2 An effective strategy to prevent these complications is needed. Endoscopic studies have shown that misoprostol prevents NSAID-associated gastric and duodenal ulcers, 3 – 5 and in one study the incidence of complications from ulcers was reduced. 6 However, misoprostol may cause diarrhea and abdominal pain, it has little effect on symptoms of dyspepsia, and . . .