Prevention and Management of Iatrogenic Gastroduodenal Ulcer

Abstract

Gastroduodenal ulcer may be produced by certain drugs. Cinchophen, histamine, phenylbutazone and reserpine have proved to be ulcerogenic in man; salicylates and caffeine have caused ulceration in animals and aggravated peptic ulcer in man, and ACTH and the adrenocortical glucosteroids are suspected of aggravating ulcer pathogenesis.

Elderly patients and those with a history of peptic ulcer, rheumatoid arthritis or hypertrophic or atrophic gastritis appear particularly susceptible to drug-induced ulceration.

An understanding of the possible mechanisms involved in drug-induced ulceration will suggest rational, specific prophylactic measures. If an ulcer develops while the patient is receiving an ulcerogenic drug, a “stomach-rest” regimen should be instituted immediately and the drug withdrawn if possible.