Zeitschrift für Kardiologie
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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a frequently prescribed group of highly effective drugs of which the most well-known side effect is gastrointestinal peptic ulcer. However, NSAIDs have additional renal, cardiovascular, hematological, dermatological, and neurological side effects. Although the spectrum of side effects is slightly different between the conventional NSAIDs and the recently developed cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors, their overall spectrum is quite similar. ⋯ COX- 2 inhibitors should be avoided in patients with known coronary or cerebrovascular disorders. In patients with uncontrolled hypertension or worsening of heart failure, unreported NSAID-use should be considered. Generally, there is a need to develop further analgetic drugs without the described side effects for patients with cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders.