Background and Aim

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a major cause of gastric mucosal lesions. In China, teprenone is frequently prescribed as a mucoprotective agent, but the literature regarding their efficacy is limited. Our purpose was to address the effects of teprenone on long‐term NSAID‐associated gastric mucosal lesions.

Mechanism of Action

Teprenone, a terpene analogue, has cytoprotective properties. It has been found to increase bicarbonate concentrations in the gastric mucus and aid in the healing of gastric lesions, without affecting the normal physiological functions of the stomach.

Methods

This study examined 369 patients taking NSAIDs for at least 12 weeks. Patients without gastroduodenal ulcer and without Helicobacter pylori infection on endoscopy at baseline were randomized to receive either NSAID plus teprenone (150 mg/day) or NSAID only for 12 weeks. Lanza scores were examined using endoscopy before and after treatment, and dyspeptic symptom scores are also analyzed.

Results

A total of 158 patients were randomized to the teprenone group (n = 74) or the control group (n = 84) for 12 weeks. Seventy‐one of patients in the teprenone group and 79 of patients in the control group were analyzed finally. After treatment, the Lanza scores and dyspeptic symptom scores decreased significantly in the teprenone group while increased in the control group (P < 0.05). The changes of Lanza scores and dyspeptic symptom scores were higher in the teprenone group than in the control group (P < 0.05). For subgroup analysis, the change in Lanza scores and dyspeptic symptom scores improved significantly in the teprenone group receiving long‐term low‐dose aspirin treatment, as well as in the teprenone group receiving other NSAIDs treatment (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Teprenone may be an effective treatment choice of gastric mucosal injuries and dyspepsia symptoms in patients who used NSAIDs chronically without H. pylori infection or history of gastroduodenal ulcer.