Efficacy of Rebamipide in the Prevention of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Gastrointestinal Mucosal Breaks: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Introduction: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most used medications worldwide. A major limitation of these drugs is gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal injury. Several gastroprotective agents have been recommended but are limited by their long-term effects. Rebamipide is a promising mucoprotective agent, but its efficacy is not established. We performed a meta-analysis assessing the efficacy of rebamipide in preventing NSAID-induced GI mucosal breaks as compared with placebo and the standard proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Methods: Four electronic databases were searched from inception to October 2023 for randomized controlled trials that compared rebamipide with placebo or PPIs. Data were pooled to obtain the risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed with I2 statistic and funnel plot, respectively.

Results: A total of 472 studies were screened, with 13 studies included. Pooled analyses showed that rebamipide significantly reduced the incidence of NSAID-induced GI mucosal breaks as compared with placebo (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.99, P ≤ 0.00001). Rebamipide is also comparable with the standard PPIs in preventing NSAID-induced mucosal breaks (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.51-1.95, P = 1.00). Regarding addition of rebamipide to PPIs, there are still insufficient data to support its effect on further improving prevention of GI mucosal breaks as compared with PPIs alone (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.43-1.21; P = 0.11).

Discussion: Rebamipide is effective in preventing NSAID-induced GI mucosal breaks. Rebamipide may also be as good as the standard PPIs in preventing NSAID-induced GI mucosal breaks and, hence, may be an alternative, especially in those with contraindications to long-term PPI use.