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| Safe use of Non-Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drug (NSAID) in elderly Patients |
The elderly are particularly
susceptible to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced peptic
ulceration, gastro-intestinal irritation and fluid retention. An NSAID is
frequently prescribed inappropriately for osteoarthritis before physical and
functional interventions and oral paracetamol have been adequately utilized. If
an NSAID is required as adjunctive therapy, the lowest effective dose should be
used. Ibuprofen is probably the NSAID of choice in terms of minimizing
gastro-intestinal side effects. A proton pump inhibitor should be considered as
prophylaxis against upper gastro-intestinal complications in those most at
risk.
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Drugs