GI bleeding prophylaxis in critically ill patients

Last reviewed 01/2018

There is evidence that anti-ulcer treatment reduces the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Primary prophylaxis for acutely ill patients in critical care

  • acid-suppression therapy (H2-receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors) should be offered for primary prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in acutely ill patients admitted to critical care. If possible, the oral form of the drug should be used
  • the need for ongoing acid-suppression drugs for primary prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in acutely ill patients should be reviewed when they recover or are discharged from critical care

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