Analgesic, antiulcer, antithrombotic drugs and organ damage: a population-based case-control study.
2015Minerva medica
Battelli D, Riccardi R, Piscaglia AC, Stefanelli ML, Mussoni L +3 more
Plain English
This study looked at how commonly painkillers (NSAIDs), ulcer medications (AUDs), and blood clot preventers (ATDs) are used by older people with organ damage to the digestive system, heart, or kidneys. It found that while ulcer medications seemed to lower the risk of stomach damage, NSAIDs and ATDs increased the risk of kidney problems. Specifically, using ATDs raised the risk of kidney damage by 82% and using AUDs increased it by 37%. This matters because it highlights the risks of combining these common medications in elderly patients who are already vulnerable to organ damage.
Who this helps: This research helps doctors prescribe safer medication combinations for elderly patients.