What is this molecule and what is aspirin used for?
Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. In the body it reduces the amount of substances that cause pain, fever and inflammation. Therefore the remedy apply:
- for muscle pain,
- headaches,
- menstrual pain,
- toothaches,
- discomfort due to arthritis,
- elevated temperature.
The drug is sometimes used to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes, and chest pain due to angina.
When, where, who and how was aspirin invented?
In 1897, Felix Hoffmann, a German chemist working for Bayer, modified salicylic acid to produce acetylsalicylic acid, which was later called aspirin.
How does aspirin work and does it have an evidence base?
Aspirin blocks action of the enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. This prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that modulate inflammation and are also involved in the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle, constriction and dilation of blood vessels, and control of blood pressure.
Aspirin also reduces the formation of thromboxane A2, a prostaglandin derivative. This reduces the blood’s ability to clot.
The use of acetylsalicylic acid has an extensive evidence base. For example, studies have shown that the drug can reduce risk of myocardial infarction by 25% and prevent bowel cancer.
What dosage is usually used for aspirin?
Only a doctor can select the exact dosage of the drug for the patient. The amount of active substance will depend on why exactly it is used.
Usually recommended the following dosages:
- 300–650 mg every 4–6 hours for relief pain;
- 300–650 mg every 4–6 hours to reduce fever;
- 160–162.5 mg once for suspected myocardial infarction and once daily for 30 days after myocardial infarction;
- 75 to 325 mg once daily to prevent angina pectoris;
- 75 to 100 mg once daily for heart attack prevention in adults over 50 years of age;
- 75 to 162 mg once daily in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus at increased risk for CVD;
- 75 to 100 mg once daily for colorectal cancer.
The drug should not be taken in doses exceeding the recommended amount.
What you need to know about aspirin before you start taking it
The medicine should not be given to children and adolescents with high fever, flu-like symptoms and chickenpox. Aspirin can cause a serious and fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome.
The product should not be taken if you are allergic to it or have the following conditions:
- recently had stomach or intestinal bleeding;
- there are diseases associated with blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia;
- had asthma attacks;
- was allergic to other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
To make sure your medication is safe for you, tell your doctor about the following problems:
- asthma or seasonal allergies;
- stomach ulcer;
- liver diseases;
- kidney diseases;
- bleeding or bleeding disorder;
- gout;
- heart diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Aspirin is not allowed to mix with alcohol. If you combine the drug with alcohol, it can result in stomach bleeding.
What drugs should you not mix aspirin with?
People who take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke should not take the drug at the same time as ibuprofen. The latter will make acetylsalicylic acid less effective. If you need to use both remedies, you should ask your doctor how different the doses should be.
Also, do not take aspirin with cold, allergy, or other pain relievers. Many over-the-counter medications already contain acetylsalicylic acid. Combination may lead to overdose.
Antidepressants also affect the effect of aspirin: citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, trazodone or vilazodone. Taking them together may cause bruising and light bleeding.
You should consult your doctor if you are taking medications used to prevent blood clots or other salicylates.
What are the side effects of aspirin?
The most common side effects of the drug include: upset stomach, heartburn, drowsiness, and mild headache.
Aspirin can also cause more serious side effects. Stop taking the drug and consult a doctor if the following symptoms occur due to the medication:
- tinnitus;
- confusion;
- hallucinations;
- rapid breathing;
- convulsions;
- severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain;
- bloody or tarry stools;
- coughing up blood or vomiting like coffee grounds;
- fever lasting more than 3 days;
- swelling or pain lasting more than 10 days.
Call 103 or 112 if these symptoms occur after taking aspirin:
- hives;
- labored breathing;
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
How is aspirin used during pregnancy and lactation?
Aspirin Not recommended take during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It can lead to premature birth, bleeding and other complications.
Taking the drug for a period of 20 weeks may call disruption of fetal kidney function. This can lead to oligohydramnios and sometimes kidney failure in newborns.
This medicine may also pass into breast milk and harm the baby. Therefore, aspirin should be used with caution during lactation.
What happens if I miss a dose
If aspirin is used as needed, for example to relieve pain, you do not need to follow a strict dosing schedule.
When your doctor recommends taking the medicine on a schedule, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. It is worth skipping an already forgotten pill if it is time to take the next scheduled one.
What happens if you overdose
An overdose of aspirin can lead to:
- to vomiting;
- stomach ache;
- diarrhea;
- confusion;
- problems with vision or hearing;
- rapid or slow breathing.
Check your first aid kit 💊