Which class of drugs commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects?

The class of drugs that commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects is NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). NSAIDs are widely used for pain relief and inflammation reduction, but they often lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even more serious effects such as gastric ulcers and bleeding. This occurs because NSAIDs inhibit the production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that help maintain the protective lining of the stomach. As a result, the stomach becomes more susceptible to damage from gastric acid.

While antibiotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants can also cause gastrointestinal issues, they are generally not as widely recognized for this specific side effect as NSAIDs. Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to diarrhea; antihistamines may cause dry mouth and constipation; and certain antidepressants can have gastrointestinal side effects, but these are less common in clinical practice compared to the frequently encountered issues associated with NSAIDs.