Acetylsalicylic Acid

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is more commonly known as aspirin. What is aspirin? Aspirin is a drug that can treat pain and fever due to various causes.

This drug belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This class of drugs works by preventing the formation of prostaglandins, which are substances that trigger inflammation, pain and fever. That way, these conditions can be relieved.

In low doses, aspirin can also prevent platelets from sticking together, thus preventing blood clots. Therefore, this drug can also be used to prevent heart disease caused by blood clots, such as stroke.

• Class:Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Category:Prescription drugs
• Used by:Adults
• Aspirin for pregnant women:Gestational age more than 20 weeks (category C). Gestational age less than 20 weeks (category D). Studies show that, the use of aspirin in pregnant women can trigger side effects for the fetus. Always consult a doctor before taking aspirin.
• Aspirin for breastfeeding mothers:The drug content can be absorbed into breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should consult a doctor first before taking aspirin.
• Drug form:This medication is available in tablet form. Most aspirin tablets are available over the counter at pharmacies, drug stores, or supermarkets. However, some types are only available with a doctor’s prescription.

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Benefits of Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)

What is aspirin for? There are many benefits of acetylsalicylic acid, such as relieving pain, reducing fever, reducing inflammation and reducing the risk of heart attack in people at high risk.

Here is the explanation:

1. Relieves pain and swelling

Acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin can relieve mild to moderate pain, swelling, or both associated with many health problems, such as:

• Headache.
• Cold or flu.
• Sprains and strains.
• Menstrualcramps .
• Long-term conditions, such as arthritisand migraines

To treat severe pain, your doctor may recommend using aspirin along with other medications, such as opioid pain relievers or other NSAIDs.

2. Prevent cardiovascular events

For people who have had a stroke , heart attack, or are at high risk for heart disease, a doctor may recommend this medication in a low daily dose.

Aspirin is useful for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, by preventing the formation of blood clots.

3. Other uses

This medication may also help treat pain and inflammation associated with chronic health conditions such as:

• Rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other inflammatory joint conditions. In addition to aspirin, here are the drug options for treating rheumatism.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Inflammation around the heart or pericarditis.

What Do Studies Say About Aspirin?

A study published in the journal Clinical Therapeutics in July 2005 compared the effectiveness of aspirin and acetaminophen (paracetamol) in treating fever, and other symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in adults.

The study involved 392 patients with acute fever (≥38.5° Celsius) due to ARI suspected to be viral. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of aspirin 500 mg or 1000 mg, acetaminophen 500 mg or 1000 mg, or placebo.

The results showed that all doses of aspirin and acetaminophen were significantly more effective than placebo in lowering body temperature and reducing the intensity of symptoms such as headache, body aches, and discomfort due to fever.

In addition, the 1000 mg dose of both drugs was more effective than the 500 mg dose. There was no significant difference in effectiveness between aspirin and acetaminophen at the same doses. Both drugs also had comparable safety and tolerability profiles, with no clinically significant side effects.

The study results concluded that both aspirin and acetaminophen were effective and safe in treating fever and other ARI symptoms in adults, with increased effectiveness at higher doses.

The following is the dosage of aspirin for adults based on the purpose of treatment:

• To relieve fever or pain

The initial dose is 300-900 milligrams (mg), which you can take every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose is 4000 mg per day.

• To prevent stroke, heart attack and other cardiovascular events

Dosage: 75-150 mg, which your doctor can adjust based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.

• To relieve rheumatic and other inflammatory conditions

Dosage: 3000-4000 mg per day that you need to divide into several doses. The doctor will determine the dosage based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.

How to Use Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)

Here’s how to use acetylsalicylic acid so that the drug works effectively in the body:

• Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice and read the instructions for use listed on the drug packaging label when you want to take this drug.
• Take the medication exactly as your doctor recommends. Do not take more, less, or more often than your doctor recommends.
• Swallow the aspirin tablets whole with a full glass of water. Do not split, crush or chew them.
• This medicine should be taken after eating. Well, here are the reasons why you should take aspirin after eating.
• Try to take this medication at the same time every day. If you forget or miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and do not double your dose at the next scheduled time.
• If the pain does not improve after 10 days, or the fever does not go down after 3 days of using this medicine, or if the painful body part becomes red or swollen, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.
• Store this medication at room temperature, dry, and away from direct sunlight. Also, keep this medication out of reach of children.

Aspirin Trademark (Aspirin)

There are several brands of aspirin that you can consider, including:

• Cardio Aspirin 100 mg 10 Tablets. A drug containing acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg that works as an analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet. Can be used to prevent platelet aggregation in patients with myocardial infarction and unstable angina, and prevent transient ischemic cerebral attacks.
• Aspilets 80 mg 10 Chewable Tablets. Each tablet contains acetylsalicylic acid 80 mg to help treat and prevent angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.
• Ascardia 80 mg 10 Tablets. Contains acetylsalicylic acid 80 mg, which works as an analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet. Can be used for the treatment and prevention of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.
• Aptor 100 mg 10 Tablets. Each tablet contains 100 mg aspirin to prevent platelet aggregation in patients with myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and transient ischemic cerebral attacks.
• Thrombo Aspilets 100 mg 10 Tablets. Contains 100 mg aspirin which is useful for inhibiting thrombus formation in arterial circulation, as well as preventing platelet aggregation in unstable angina and momentary cerebral ischemic attacks.

Caution Using Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)

Here are some things you need to pay attention to before using this medicine:

• Tell your doctorif you have allergies to aspirin or other medications for pain or fever, tartrazine dye, or other medications.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, starting from prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, supplements and herbal products. This is to prevent interactions between drugs.
• If you take this medication regularly to prevent heart attack or stroke, do not take ibuprofen for pain or fever without talking to your doctor first.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, frequent stuffy or runny nose, or nasal polyps(growths on the lining of the nose). If you have these conditions, there is a risk that you will have an allergic reaction to aspirin.
• Also tell your doctor if you often have heartburn, stomach pain, or if you have or have ever had ulcers, anemia, bleeding problems such as hemophilia, or kidney or liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This medication in high doses can be harmful to the fetus.
• If you are going to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking aspirin.
• Tell your doctor if you frequently drink alcohol.

Side Effects of Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)

Just like most drugs, this drug can also cause side effects. Here are some common side effects:

• Stomach ache.
• Heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the chest.

Call your doctor right away if the above side effects do not improve or get worse. Some serious side effects can also occur. See your doctor right away if you experience the following side effects:

• Itchy rash.
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
• Hoarse voice.
• Heart pounding.
• Rapid breathing.
• Cold and clammy skin.
• Ringing in the ears.

Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) Interactions

Interactions may involve one drug making another drug less effective or the combination making it dangerous. Acetylsalicylic acid can interact with many drugs. Some of these include:

• Anti-inflammatory painkillers 

Examples include diclofenac, ibuprofen , and naproxen . When combined with acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin, these types of drugs can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other antidepressants 

Examples include citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, venlafaxine, and sertraline. When combined with aspirin, these can increase the risk of bleeding.

• Blood thinners such as warfarin 

Aspirin used with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin may decrease the anticoagulant effect of the medication and increase the risk of bleeding. However, there are situations when this combination may be beneficial.

• Cancer drugs such as methotrexate 

Acetylsalicylic acid taken with cancer drugs such as methotrexate has the potential to produce toxic levels of methotrexate. Commonly used to treat cancer and some autoimmune diseases, acetylsalicylic acid can make the drug more difficult to eliminate. This can potentially result in toxic levels of methotrexate.

Contraindications of Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin)

Acetylsalicylic acid is contraindicated for the following conditions:

• Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia.
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
• Gastric ulcer.
• Liver or kidney disease.

People who are allergic to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, should also avoid this drug.

Remember, do not give acetylsalicylic acid to children under 16 years of age, unless recommended by a doctor.