Miguatemala Health Blog

Who is at risk with aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and NSAIDs?

- People over 60 years. The risk increases with age.

- The risk is high if there is a history of ulcers.

- The risk clearly increases with higher doses of aspirin or NSAIDs.

- If you are taking anticoagulants (treatment to decrease the clotting ability of blood) have a higher risk of bleeding, and this may be more serious.

- Oral corticosteroids (such as prednisolone) increases the risk of gastritis and ulcer.

- It is also higher in long-term treatment.How can you reduce the risk of aspirin or NSAIDs?

If you are susceptible, the risk does not diminish if these drugs are taken:

- With a full stomach

- Dissolved, chewable tablets, or in coated (“enteric coating”)

- Through other means, such as suppositories or injections.

Drugs that reduce stomach acid (H2 inhibitors such as ranitidine, especially famotidine or nizatidine, or inhibitors of the proton pump, such as omeprazole) reduce the risk of ulceration associated with aspirin and NSAIDs.

Another drug (misoprostol) is also potentially beneficial in protecting the gastric mucosa. Misoprostol may cause diarrhea, although this trend varies from one person to another.

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