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The use of aspirin
by Tash Hughes of
Word Constructions
Aspirin is one
of the most common drugs in use today. It has been in
use since the 1890’s and has proven to be a drug of many
uses in that time.
What is
aspirin?
Aspirin is the
general name for acetylsalicylic acid (ASA); it is also
the trademark of the drug produced by Bayer in Germany.
In eighty countries, aspirin is a registered trademark,
but in other places the term aspirin refers to ASA by
itself or as an ingredient in other drugs.
The synthetic
drug was developed as an analgesic (painkiller) and this
is still the main purpose of the drug in most people’s
minds. It was the first NSAID (nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug), and probably still the most
effective.
Two complete
families of drugs have been developed from ASA in the
years since 1897.
How does it
work?
When you are
injured, your body produces prostaglandins which are
complex fatty acids that act like hormones within body
tissues. Prostaglandins act by stimulating the dilation
(getting bigger) of blood vessels and muscle
contraction; they are also the start of you feeling
pain.
Aspirin appears
to stop the production of prostaglandins by attaching to
an enzyme, and thus stops the pain message reaching your
brain. By reducing the production of a prostaglandin
called thromboxane, aspirin can also prevent blood
clotting and acts as an anticoagulant. This is an
important clinical use in heart patients.
As aspirin is
absorbed into the blood stream, it can travel to all
parts of the body; prostaglandin production is high only
in injured areas so aspirin is only effective in those
areas and thus relieves the pain wherever it is felt.
By preventing
prostaglandin production, aspirin is also reducing some
necessary body functions. A single tablet every so often
won’t have much impact on these functions, but care must
be taken in regular users. Taking aspirin for pain
relief for a wound can actually slow healing as
platelets can’t clot to form scabs. Drugs based on
aspirin, such as ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen
(Tylenol,) have been developed to avoid some of these
adverse effects.
What is it
used for?
During its
history, aspirin has been found to have a number of uses
besides pain relief. Many experiments have been carried
out to test aspirin’s abilities in various areas and
potential side effects, and some areas are still under
investigation.
Current uses of
aspirin include:
v
Over-the-counter pain
relief, especially for headaches
v
Reduction of swelling
and inflammation in arthritis and injuries
v
Anti-coagulant given to
sufferers of heart attack, mini-stroke and unstable
angina
v
Can reduce severity of
heart attack if taken at first symptoms
v
Recovery after
cardiovascular surgery (eg bypass operation)
v
Treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis, osteoarthritis and other rheumatoid diseases
Possible
benefits of aspirin are being researched in:
v
Migraine treatment
v
Improving circulation
in the gums
v
Fighting ovarian,
breast and colon cancer
v
Prevention of cataracts
v
Controlling
pre-eclampsia
v
Improving brain
function, especially memory
v
Reducing colorectal
cancer repeating
v
Prevention of adult
leukaemia
v
Prevention of HIV
replicating
v
Reduce prostrate cancer
risk
v
Increasing success
rates of IVF programs
Is it
suitable for everyone to use?
In short, no it
isn’t.
Aspirin isn’t
advised for the following groups without medical advice:
v
Children under 16
v
Asthmatics
v
Women in last trimester
of pregnancy (can bring on labour & harm baby)
v
Anyone under 20 with a
fever
v
People with bleeding
disorders
v
Anyone with an ulcer or
persistent stomach problems
v
Diabetics on medication
v
Breastfeeding mothers
v
Heavy alcohol drinkers
v
Healthy people for more
than ten days
v
G6P deficiency diseases
v
Reduced kidney function
or liver disease
v
People on low sodium
diets (buffered aspirin tablets contain sodium)
Are there any
side effects?
Like all drugs,
there are some risks of side effects from aspirin. Many
are uncommon enough to be considered an acceptable risk
for most patients, but there are some significant risks
attached. Healthy people using aspirin occasionally as
directed are unlikely to develop serious side effects.
The use of
aspirin in children and teenagers with a fever,
especially after a viral infection, has been associated
with the development of a potentially fatal condition
called Reye Syndrome. For that reason, it is recommended
to NEVER GIVE ASPIRIN TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 16 or
to anyone under 20 who has a fever.
Overdoses with
aspirin are quite common and it is essential to keep
them out of reach of children.
Aspirin can
irritate the stomach, leading to nausea and vomiting, so
it is best taken with or just after food. Other problems
may be ringing in the ears, excessive bleeding,
heartburn, indigestion and allergic reactions.
Analgesics like
aspirin are excreted via the kidneys, and thus have the
power to damage the kidneys and long term, low dose
usage reduces renal function. Certain medical conditions
and heavy drinking increase the risk of kidney damage.
Note: NEVER take
aspirin if it has a vinegary smell as this means it is
“off”.
Aspirin is an
effective, useful drug when taken as directed and/or
under medical supervision; however, it needs to be
treated with respect.
Tash Hughes is
the owner of Word Constructions and assists businesses
in preparing all written documentation and web site
content. Tash also writes parenting and business articles for
inclusion in newsletter and web sites. |
