Popular Medicine May Harm Intestines

HOUSTON -- Researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston say that popular painkillers like ibuprofen can damage the small intestine.

The research team reached its conclusions by using a tiny disposable camera in easily swallowed capsules to examine the small bowel. They presented their findings Tuesday at the Digestive Disease Week 2003 conference in Orlando, Fla.

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -- or NSAIDs -- had been known to be dangerous to the stomach and first 6 inches of the small intestine. But the study suggests that the NSAIDs were also dangerous to the entire small intestine.

In the study of 40 people, capsule endoscopy detected small bowel erosions in 62 percent of NSAID users, compared to 5 percent of non-NSAID users.

The study covered the use of the drugs indomethacin, naproxen, oxyxprozocin and ibuprofen, but not aspirin. Severe damage was associated with high doses.

"More than 100 million prescriptions for NSAIDS are written annually in the United States," said Dr. David Graham, lead author of the study. "The study shows that the patients who take NSAIDs regularly have an increased risk of small intestinal mucosal ulceration and bleeding."

Naproxen is available without prescription under the brand Aleve. Ibuprofen is available over the counter under the brands Advil, Motrin and Nuprin.