Aspirin is most commonly used to prevent pain, fever, inflammatory issues; strokes, angina, and other conditions caused due to blockage of blood vessels due to excessive blood clotting.
Aspirin is prescribed commonly for these issues due to its properties which are anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulatory, and pain relieving and fever reducing. Aspirin, thus, works inhibiting the production of compounds in the body that cause pain, fever, inflammation, and blood clots.
Aspirin Composition and Nature:
The primary component of Aspirin is Acetylsalicylic acid which gives it all its properties and makes it as effective as it is. The chemical formula for Acetylsalicylic acid is CH3COOC6H4COOH.
Due to its nature, Aspirin is considered a:
- Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug
- Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor
- Cyclooxygenase-Inhibitor
And less commonly as an:
- Analgesic
- Antipyretic
- Platelet aggregation inhibitor
Aspirin Uses:
Aspirin has several uses due to its varying properties. It is used to relieve pain and fever. It is a blood thinner and prevents unnecessary clotting of blood which causes problems of hypertension or high blood pressure, and/or stroke. Depending on the diagnosis of any specific medical condition, Aspirin may be prescribed.
The following uses of Aspirin make it a drug that is multi-purpose and extremely useful.
- Headaches
- period cramps
- colds and flu
- sprains and strains
- Arthritis
- Rheumatic fever
- Rheumatic arthritis
- pericarditis
- prevent myocardial infarction
- preventing clot formation
- prevent transient ischemic attack, unstable angina
- prevent colorectal cancer
- prevent a heart attack
These are only some of the uses of Aspirin. If deemed fit by the doctor, it may also be prescribed for other diseases.
Aspirin Side Effects:
Every medicine must be taken in consideration with the doctor after all pros and cons have been weighed for the patient’s specific case.
The following side effects have been reported by users upon the intake of Aspirin.
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dyspepsia
- Gastritis
- Bleeding disorder
- Low blood platelets
- Gastric erosion
- Gastric ulcer
- Diarrhea
- Decreased blood pressure
- A headache
- Flushing of face
- An upset stomach
- Angina or Heartburn
- Drowsiness
- A mild headache
Aspirin Dosage:
This drug is generally prescribed to be taken by patients in the oral form. The tablet is available in varying strengths and as quick or slow release formulations.
The tablet should be kept in a cool dry place for storage, and should not be chewed or broken before consuming.
In case a patient misses a dose, it should be taken as soon as they remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose then the missed dose should not be taken and should be skipped altogether lest there be an overdose.
In case of an overdose, one must approach the doctor without wasting any time as it can be fatal.
How Aspirin use?
Patients should take the medicine strictly as prescribed and should be careful to prevent an overdose. It is advisable to take the tablet at the same time every day so as to form a habit as well as ensure that its effect is maintained throughout.
Before using any other medications, patients must consult the doctor to prevent any harmful interactions.
The medicine should be taken with food and never on an empty stomach so as to neutralize its risks of causing bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
How Aspirin works?
Aspirin exhibits anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties which make it appropriate for dealing with pain. By inhibiting cyclooxygenase in the body, it acts to decrease the aggregation of platelets, as well as Prostaglandin production.
By doing so, Aspirin works towards the prevention of diseases like arterial and venous thrombosis, and biosynthesis of prostaglandins, respectively.
This drug exhibits analgesic, antipyretic, and anticoagulant properties; and is considered a Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug and Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor, as it prevents the formation of thromboxane A2, a potent platelet and vasoconstrictor in the body.
The drug starts working within 15 to 20 minutes of intake and the effects last up to 6 hours. The peak performance of the drug is observed after 1 to 2 hours of consuming it.
Aspirin Related Warnings/Precautions:
There is a list of precautions that a patient must take when using any drug, and so is the case with Aspirin.
Patients who have the following conditions must avoid Aspirin:
- have a peptic ulcer
- have Hemophilia, or any other bleeding disorder
- have an allergy to any NSAID, such as ibuprofen
- those who drink alcohol regularly
- who are undergoing dental or surgical treatment
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding must also avoid this drug. The drug has been observed to adversely affect the fetus, and upon consumption, its traces have also been found in breastmilk which is harmful for infants. In order to use it, it must be prescribed by the doctor.
Patients of liver or kidney issues can use this drug with fair confidence since no effect of Aspirin has been observed on these conditions.
One is advised to not drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of this drug because it is in known to cause dizziness, sleepiness, and a drowsy feeling. This makes it unsafe to drive after using this drug.
Patients with nasal polyp and asthma may experience severe side effects upon taking this drug, and therefore must consult the doctor before using Aspirin.
Use of Aspirin in those younger than 18 years of age has been observed to cause neurological damage.
Aspirin Substitutes:
Drugs which use the same salt(s) or primary components can be used as substitutes for each other when one is not available or does not suit the patient.
The following medications can be used as substitutes of Aspirin in case it is unavailable.
- Ecosprin – Manufactured by USV Ltd
- Disprin – Manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser
- Asprin – Manufactured by AstraZeneca
- Loprin – Manufactured by Unichem Laboratories Ltd
- Delisprin – Manufactured by Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Aspeeday – Manufactured by Shrinivas Gujarat Laboratories Pvt Ltd
- ggrenox Capsule MR – Manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim
- Antiban Asp Capsule – Manufactured by Blue Cross Laboratories Ltd
- Atorise Asp Capsule – Manufactured by Carise Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Atorise Asp Capsule – Manufactured by Carise Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Atorlip Capsule – Manufactured by Cipla Ltd
- Clavix Gold Tablet – Manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Cloflow Plus Capsule – Manufactured by Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
- Clopirad A Capsule – Manufactured by Indoco Remedies Ltd
- Dospin Tablet – Manufactured by Ajanta Pharma Ltd
Aspirin Interactions:
Interactions with other drugs, salts, or chemicals can slow down, reverse, or hinder the performance of any given drug. This is why it is crucial to consult an expert and ensure a safe dosage and effective consumption of any drug so that it performs well.Aspirin may interact with other medicines that patients may be taking.
It is especially more common for a patient to experience bleeding problems, including stomach ulcers or bleeding when Aspirin is used with blood thinners or other NSAIDs.
The drug can also interact with foods and beverages, which is why it is important for a patient to be on the lookout for any side effects they may experience, and get regular check-ups from their doctor.
The following drugs should not be taken alongside Aspirin since they interact negatively together and increase the risks associated.
- Defibrotide
- Dichlorphenamide
- Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
- Ketorolac
- Acebutolol
- Atenolol
- Betamethasone
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Captopril
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Cortisone
- Delapril
Patients must be vigilant and stay aware of any interactions which may be observed due to the usage of Aspirin alongside any other drugs.
FAQ’s:
1) Is Aspirin a blood thinner?
Ans: Aspirin acts as a blood thinner.
In low doses, it has antiplatelet action and it prevents platelets from sticking together, also known as clotting. This decreases the risk of formation of blood clots in blood vessels and thereby provides protection against heart attack and stroke.
2) Is Aspirin an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)?
Ans: Yes, Aspirina NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). It is used to prevent heart attacks and stroke, and to relieve mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. It is also useful in arthritis, minor body aches, and pains and headache.
3) Can I take Aspirin and clopidogrel together?
Ans: Yes, you can take Aspirin and clopidogrel together if the dosage is approved by a doctor. A doctor’s approval is important to ensure no negative interactions occur.
4) Is Aspirin usable for a hangover headache?
Ans: Aspirin should not be used for a hangover headache. Alcohol use can cause damage to the stomach lining, and the use of aspirin is known to be rough on the stomach. These two together can be very bad for one’s gastrointestinal tract.
5) Is Aspirin beneficial in certain diseases of heart?
Ans: Aspirin works by thinning the blood by acting as an anticoagulant. It does not allow the platelets to stick together and thereby decreases the risk of blood clot formation. This in turns prevents heart problems, especially strokes, that may be caused due to the pressure of the aforementioned condition. It is important to note that Aspirin can only be used to prevent heart attacks in specific conditions, and cannot be used to treat a stroke.
6) How much Aspirin should be taken in any condition?
Ans: One should consult their doctor and only take the recommended dosage as per their prescription. Aspirin is a very strong drug and it has a scope to be abused, which is why it must be handled with care. The recommended dosage usually is under 81 grams in a day, and no more should be used unless clearly stated so by the doctor.
7) Is aspirin safe?
Ans: Aspirin has been researched extensively and been under close scrutiny to ensure that it is safe for consumption. It is a drug that has the potential to cause addiction or dependency, which is why its use must be judicious, monitored, and controlled.
8) Is a pack of expired aspirin safe for use in case of an emergency?
Ans: Expired drugs, including Aspirin, are often not safe for use. There is a reason that expiry dates are mandatory on all products that are meant for oral consumption. While some medicines are safe for use for a few days after expiry but that is not a risk one should take with aspirin.
9) Can Aspirin be taken daily?
Ans: Yes, Aspirin can be taken daily. However, it is imperative to only consume it in controlled doses, as the medicine can be addictive and habit-forming. The dose should be limited to what is prescribed by the doctor, and Aspirin should only be taken daily if the doctor says so.
10) What are the risk factors one is exposed to upon regular use of Aspirin?
Ans: Regular use of aspirin is rather dangerous as it can lead to addiction, and also predispose one to health conditions like heart problems and lower a person’s pain threshold as well.
11) does Aspirin contain caffeine?
Ans: It is possible for some formulations of aspirin to contain caffeine. One should read the medical information carefully and request their doctor for an alternate prescription if they are attempting to avoid caffeine.
