Drug effects on the gastrointestinal tract

Gastrointestinal manifestations resulting from either prescribed medications or over-the-counter drugs are commonly encountered in clinical practice and often mistaken for a disease process or syndrome, leading to multiple and unnecessary diagnostic studies. The morbidity, mortality, and health care costs associated with adverse drug events, even restricted to the GI tract, are underestimated. The consequences of adverse effects may be asymptomatic or range from mild discomfort to fatal hemorrhage or perforation. Better awareness and recognition of the intended and unacceptable effects of drugs on the gastrointestinal tract and withdrawing the medication or revising the regimen will help improve outcomes.