Aspirin

Aspirin

Aspirin is a common medicine found in many households and has been around for over a century. This versatile tablet has become a staple in medicine cabinets worldwide. Aspirin tablet uses range from pain relief to potentially life-saving applications, making it one of the most widely used medications globally.
In this blog, we will discover how aspirin medicine can benefit your health, from its use as a pain reliever to its role in preventing heart attacks and strokes. We'll explore the normal dose of aspirin for adults, discuss low-dose aspirin uses, and explain how aspirin works in your body. 

What is Aspirin?

Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is a medicine that belongs to the benzoic acids class. It appears as odourless white crystals or crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste. The drug is also available in combination with other medicines, such as antacids, pain relievers, cough medicines, and cold medicines.

Medical Uses of Aspirin

Aspirin is helpful for various medical purposes, from pain relief to preventing life-threatening conditions. Here are some of the primary medical uses of aspirin:

• Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
  • Aspirin is an everyday painkiller that can relieve aches and pains like headaches, toothaches, and period cramps. It is categorised as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs. It can also help manage inflammation associated with certain conditions like arthritis and joint pain.
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment
  • The daily use of low-dose aspirin can decrease the risk of cardiovascular events in some people by preventing blood clots from forming.
  • Your doctor may recommend daily low-dose aspirin if you have a cardiovascular disease, poor blood flow to the brain, high blood cholesterol, or hypertension.
  • Aspirin is also administered immediately after a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular events to prevent further clot formation and cardiac tissue damage.
• Chronic Condition Management: Aspirin can help manage pain and swelling associated with various chronic health conditions, such as:
  • Rheumatic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other inflammatory joint conditions
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Inflammation around the heart (pericarditis)
• Other Medical Uses: Doctors may also recommend low-dose aspirin for people with:
  • Retinal damage or retinopathy
  • Diabetes for more than ten years
  • Risk of colorectal cancer

How to Use Aspirin

• Dosage and Administration: The recommended aspirin dosage varies and depends on the condition being treated and your age. Here are some general guidelines:
  • Take aspirin with a full glass of water unless fluid is restricted.
  • You can take it with or after meals to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • For extended-release capsules, swallow whole without crushing, cutting or chewing. Take at the same time each day.
  • For enteric-coated tablets, do not crush or chew.
  • For suppositories, remove them from the packaging and insert them into the rectum as far as possible.
  • Store aspirin tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
  • Keep suppositories in a cool place (46°F to 59°F or 8°C to 15°C) or refrigerate.
• Potential Side Effects and Risks: The following are some common and severe side effects associated with aspirin use:

Common Side Effects:

• Stomach or gut irritation
• Indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach inflammation
• Stomach bleeding
• Bruising

Serious Side Effects:

• Ringing in the ears
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Rapid breathing
• Seizures
• Bloody or tarry-coloured stools
• Haemoptysis or coughing up blood or vomit that resembles coffee grounds
• Fever lasting longer than three days
• Swelling or pain lasting longer than ten days
• Allergy signs (hives, difficulty breathing & swelling of the facial region, lips, tongue and throat)

Aspirin Sensitivity

Individuals with certain conditions, such as asthma, nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, or chronic hives, are more likely to react to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Use of aspirin can worsen the symptoms of these conditions.

• Precautions: You need to be cautious when taking aspirin, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other medications. Here are some necessary precautions to consider:
  • Increased Bleeding Risk: The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial haemorrhage, and hemorrhagic stroke increases with aspirin use, particularly in older adults. Other risk factors that can increase bleeding risk are diabetes, history of gastrointestinal issues (such as peptic ulcer disease), liver disease, elevated blood pressure, or certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding when taken with aspirin. 
  • Age-Related Precautions: While the benefits of aspirin use continue to accumulate over time in the absence of a bleeding event, the net benefits generally become progressively smaller with advancing age due to an increased risk of bleeding. 
  • Allergies and Sensitivities: Before taking aspirin, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to aspirin, other salicylates, or any other pain relievers or fever reducers (NSAIDs). 
  • Existing Health Conditions: If you have certain systemic conditions, such as blood-clotting disorders, kidney disease, gastrointestinal problems (e.g., ulcers, heartburn, stomach pain), liver disease, aspirin-sensitive asthma, or gout, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using aspirin.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Aspirin is not recommended for treating pain or fever during pregnancy.
  • Surgery and Procedures: Before undergoing surgery, inform your doctor about all ongoing prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products.

How Aspirin Works

Aspirin is a non-selective inhibitor of Cyclo-Oxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. The COX enzymes are responsible for converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins and thromboxanes. These chemicals play a key role in various processes, including inflammation, pain, and blood clotting.

Aspirin's inhibition of COX-1 results in reduced platelet aggregation for approximately 7-10 days, which is the average lifespan of platelets. By preventing the formation of TXA2, aspirin reduces the risk of blood clots & thrombotic events, making it an effective antiplatelet drug.

Can I take aspirin with other medicines?

You must exercise caution when taking aspirin with other medicines, as there is a potential for drug interactions. Talk to your doctor about all your ongoing medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Here are some important considerations:

• Medications that Increase Bleeding Risk: Aspirin can enhance the risk of bleeding when combined with certain medications. These include:
  • Anticoagulants (blood thinners)
  • Antiplatelet drugs 
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 
  • Corticosteroids 
• Medications that Affect Kidney Function: Aspirin can potentially impair kidney function, especially when taken with certain medications. These include:
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors 
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) 
  • Diuretics 
• Medications that Affect Stomach Acid: Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining, and this risk is increased when taken with medications that affect stomach acid production. These include:
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) 
  • H2 blockers 

Conclusion

While aspirin offers numerous benefits, it's essential to be aware of its potential complications and interactions with other medications. Consulting with a doctor before starting any aspirin regimen is crucial, especially for long-term use or if you have specific health conditions. By following proper dosing guidelines and taking necessary precautions, aspirin can be a valuable tool in managing pain, reducing inflammation, and potentially saving lives. 

FAQs

1. Is aspirin a blood thinner?

Yes, aspirin is considered a blood thinner or antiplatelet medication. It prevents blood clots from forming by diminishing the ability of platelets to stick together. 

2. Is paracetamol an aspirin?

No, paracetamol (acetaminophen) is not aspirin. They are two different types of medications used for other purposes. Aspirin reduces pain, inflammation, and fever while also thinning the blood. Paracetamol is a milder pain reliever and fever reducer that does not have anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning effects.

3. Are aspirin and dolo the same?

No, aspirin and dolo are not the same. Dolo is a brand name for paracetamol, a different medication from aspirin. 

4. Is aspirin safe to take daily?

Low-dose aspirin (75-162mg) can be safe for daily use in certain situations, such as preventing heart attacks or strokes in individuals with cardiovascular disease. However, daily aspirin use should only be done under medical guidance, as it can increase the possibility of bleeding, stomach ulcers, and other side effects.

5. Who cannot take aspirin?

Aspirin should be used with caution or avoided in certain groups, including:

• Children and teenagers with viral illnesses (due to the risk of Reye's syndrome)
• People with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulants
• Those with a history of stomach ulcers or bleeding
• Individuals with severe liver or kidney disease
• Pregnant women, especially in the third trimester
• People with aspirin allergies or asthma exacerbated by aspirin

6. Is aspirin good for your heart?

Yes, aspirin can be beneficial for heart health in certain situations. Doctors generally recommend low-dose aspirin (75-162mg daily) for people who have had a heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular disease. 

7. How and when to take low-dose aspirin?

If your doctor recommends low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention, it is typically taken once daily, ideally at the same time each day. The recommended dose is usually 75-162mg. 

8. What is a normal dose of aspirin for pain?

The standard aspirin dose for adults to relieve pain, fever, or inflammation is 300-650mg every 4-6 hours as needed, with a maximum daily dosage of 4g. The dose for children aged 12 and above is typically 300-650mg every 4-6 hours as needed, with a maximum daily dose of 4g.