Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, has been used in medicine for many years as one of the most common painkillers. Currently, its antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects are also used, however, it should be remembered that taking this drug may also be associated with a number of side effects, hence the decision to use the product should be consulted with a doctor
Aspirin For Pain Relief
Aspirin is an organic chemical compound that is an acetyl derivative of salicylic acid. This drug is one of the most popular painkillers in the world and belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Herman Kolbe received aspirin for the first time as a synthetic painkiller in 1859, and in the following years he finally defined the method of artificial production of this product. In turn, the mechanism of action of aspirin has only been discovered thanks to the research of John Vane and his colleagues, who discovered that the action of aspirin reduces the production of prostaglandins in the body, and as a result of this process the sensation of pain is reduced. The discovery of this mechanism was a great success of the aforementioned scientist, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for his achievements.
Aspirin is highly effective in the fight against migraine headaches and tension in the head.Some research studies also suggest the advantage of aspirin over acetaminophen in the treatment of this type of headache. The mechanism of action of the drug is once again based on reducing the amount of prostaglandins, and thus lowering the sensitivity of nerve endings to pain. Moreover, this drug, as well as a number of other NSAIDs, is very effective in fighting joint pain. However, it should be remembered that pharmacotherapy is only one element in the treatment of joint disorders, because it is most often used when natural healing methods, i.e. physiotherapy, fail. What’s more, the use of aspirin is also known to reduce pain associated with the menstrual cycle. It has a relaxing effect on muscle contractions, and as a result, it effectively reduces pain in women during this period.
Who can and Who cannot take Aspirin
It is not recommended to take aspirin by people:
- allergic to salicylic acid or other salicylates;
- with a hemorrhagic diathesis;
- diagnosed with acute gastric or duodenal ulcer disease;
- warming for acute kidney, heart or liver failure;
- asthma attacks have occurred in the medical history after administration of salicylates;
- concomitant use of the drug methotrexate in doses of 15 mg per week or more;
- in the third trimester of pregnancy;
- in children under 12 years of age.
The drug is recommended for the treatment of minor and moderate pain and for lowering fever. However, it should be remembered that before consumption, consult a doctor or pharmacist in order to individually determine the benefits of consuming the product.
How and when to take Aspirin
Always use the medicine as described in the package leaflet or as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. According to the recommendations in the leaflets – adults should take 1 to 2 tablets at a time (i.e. 500-1000 mg of acetylsalicylic acid). If necessary, a single dose may be repeated not more frequently than every 4 to 8 hours. Do not take more than 8 tablets (i.e. 4,000 mg acetylsalicylic acid) a day. In turn, adolescents over 12 years of age: the drug can be used in adolescents over 12 years of age only on the recommendation of a doctor. One tablet (i.e. 500 mg of acetylsalicylic acid) should be taken at one time. If necessary, a single dose may be repeated no more frequently than 4 every 4 to 8 hours. Do not take more than 3 tablets (i.e. 1500 mg acetylsalicylic acid) a day. However, it should be noted that in any case the drug should be used only after consulting a doctor. The tablets should be taken orally after meals and then washed down with plenty of water.
Taking Aspirin with other Pain medications
Aspirin, like many other drugs, reacts with other agents, possibly increasing or decreasing their effect, and as a result, has a negative effect on the human body. Taking aspirin along with corticosteroids or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase your risk of developing a gastrointestinal ulcer and cause bleeding in that area. Hence, it is important to replace all medications that are taken on a permanent basis or on an ad hoc basis during a visit to a doctor or pharmacy.
Side Effects
Like any drug, aspirin may or may not cause side effects. Any such problems should be reported to the prescribing physician without delay. The side effects listed on the leaflets include:
- Stomach and abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding: overt (fuzzy vomiting, gastric or duodenal ulcer, perforation.
- Transient hepatic impairment has been reported in rare cases.
- Dizziness and tinnitus, which are usually symptoms of overdose.
- Increased risk of bleeding, haemorrhage, hematoma, prolonged bleeding time.
- Cerebral haemorrhage (especially in patients with uncontrolled hypertension and / or taking other anticoagulants at the same time).
- Renal impairment and severe renal failure.
- Hypersensitivity reactions.
- Bronchial asthma.
How to deal with the Side Effects of Aspirin
In order to minimize the risk of side effects of aspirin use, especially those related to irritation of the stomach lining and peptic ulcer disease, it is recommended to administer the drug in low doses. Moreover, the importance of simultaneous blood pressure monitoring while taking the drug and adhering to appropriate health behaviors, such as: eliminating alcohol from the diet, reducing smoking, maintaining a proper body weight or regular physical activity, is emphasized. Cooperation with the attending physician will certainly reduce the risk of developing side effects of taking medications and increase the effectiveness of the therapy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
In order to determine the influence of a drug taken by a pregnant woman on the risk of harm to the fetus, the classification of drugs used during pregnancy is used. According to this scale, aspirin belongs to category C drugs during the 1st and 2nd trimesters of pregnancy. on people. For this reason, the drug should be used in pregnant women only if the benefits of its administration outweigh the risks of harm to the fetus. On the other hand, in the third trimester of pregnancy, aspirin belongs to category D, as there is a confirmed risk of teratogenic effects on the human fetus. The drug can only be used in situations where the mother’s life is at risk in a situation where when there are no alternative drugs from the above-mentioned categories or when these drugs are ineffective. Moreover, the use of aspirin at this time may result in prolonged labor and the occurrence of complications.
Undoubtedly, the discovery of the action of salicylic acid was a turning point in the history of medicine, and moreover, there are many studies conducted to date to determine other possibilities of using this drug. There is certainly a chance that in the near future we may learn new directions of action of this drug while limiting the side effects of its use.
