What is aspirin? Uses and side effects

Aspirin, as an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drug, has been used for many years in the treatment of various cases. This drug has been introduced as one of the key drugs in the prevention of heart attacks and vascular problems due to its ability to prevent cardiovascular diseases, especially in people at risk of increased blood lipids. By reading this article, you will be able to better understand the effectiveness and importance of Aspirin in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and, if necessary, use it as one of the key tools in managing your heart health.

Aspirin dosage forms

Medicines are produced under domestic and foreign standards with different brand names. Pharmaceutical products are produced in different forms according to the needs of patients and doctors, and the doctor will prescribe different types according to age conditions and medical records. Aspirin in the form of tablets 81 mg, 325 mg and 500 mg, delayed-release tablets 162 mg, 325 mg and 500 mg, chewable tablets 81 mg, enteric-coated tablets 81 mg, 162 mg, 325 mg and 650 mg, 81 mg and 325 mg liquid-filled capsules are available in the market.

Uses of aspirin tablets

Low-dose aspirin is used to reduce the risk of heart attack in people with heart disease. It is also used to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have already had a stroke or “mini-stroke” (transient ischemic attack). This drug is known as a salicylate and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This product works by preventing the aggregation of platelets and the formation of blood clots that can cause a heart attack or stroke. Other forms of aspirin (immediate release) should be used when a quick effect is needed, such as immediately after a heart attack or for pain relief.

Uses of aspirin tablets in adults

1. pain and fever
2. Acute coronary syndrome
3. Anti-inflammatory
4. Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack
5. Primary prevention of ASCVD with low-dose aspirin
6. Colorectal cancer (off label)

Uses of aspirin tablets in children

1. pain and fever
2. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
3. Kawasaki disease

Pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of aspirin

It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by cyclooxygenase and prevents platelet aggregation. It also has antipyretic and analgesic activity. It is absorbed with 80-100% bioavailability and metabolized by the liver through the microsomal enzyme system. Aspirin is excreted through urine (80-100%), sweat, saliva and feces.

Dosage of aspirin tablets

Take this medication orally once a day as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsule of this medicine whole and avoid chewing and keeping inside the mouth. Doing so can release all the medicine at once and increase the risk of side effects. If stomach upset occurs while taking this medicine, take the dose with food or milk.

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL) unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medicine. Also, do not take the dose 2 hours before or 1 hour after drinking alcoholic beverages.

How to take aspirin tablets in adults

1. To treat pain and fever, use 325-650 mg every 4 hours, 975 mg every 6 hours, or 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours for up to 10 days.
2. In the primary prevention of ASCVD with low-dose aspirin in people aged 40 to 70 years, use of low-dose aspirin (75-100 mg PO daily) is recommended for selected adults at higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). are, but not considered at risk of bleeding.
3. Also, for people over 70 years of age, low-dose aspirin should not be routinely prescribed for the primary prevention of ASCVD.
4. Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack 325-160 mg within 48 hours of stroke/TIA onset, followed by 100-75 mg daily.
5. This product is also an anti-inflammatory drug. The use of non-aspirin NSAIDs has largely replaced the use of aspirin for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory arthritis.
6. For the prevention of colorectal cancer, 600 mg per day is prescribed by the doctor. Reduces the risk of hereditary colon cancer (eg, Lynch syndrome) by 60% if taken daily for at least 2 years.

How to take aspirin tablets in children

1. For the treatment of fever and pain in people weighing less than 50 kg, 10-15 mg to 60-80 mg is recommended. It is also prescribed for people over 50 kg with immediate release 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours.
2. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in children less than 25 kg 60-100 mg every 6-8 hours and for children more than 25 kg 3.6-4 g per day is recommended.

Time to take aspirin

Before taking aspirin tablets, read the drug information on the product packaging. How to use, precautions and contraindications have been explained to you in detail. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen) may decrease aspirin’s ability to prevent heart attack or stroke. If you are using an NSAID, take it at least 8 hours before or at least 2 to 4 hours after this medication (see also Drug Interactions). Take it at the same time every day to help you remember.

Precautions

Before taking aspirin tablets, if you are allergic to this drug or to other salicylates (such as choline salicylate) and to NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen), avoid taking the drug. Before using your medical history, such as aspirin-sensitive asthma (history of worsening breathing with runny or stuffy nose after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs), bleeding and blood problems (such as hemophilia, vitamin K deficiency, low platelets), kidney disease, Inform the doctor about liver disease, stomach problems (such as ulcers, heartburn), etc. Daily alcohol and tobacco use while using this drug may increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

1. In case of self-medication and pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult a specialist or doctor before use. It is especially important not to use ibuprofen during or after 20 weeks of pregnancy, unless prescribed by a doctor. Because it may cause problems in the fetus or complications during childbirth.
2. People with history such as anemia, digestive system malabsorption, history of gastric ulcer, gout, liver disease, hypochlorhydria, hypoprothrombinemia, renal failure, thyrotoxicosis, vitamin K deficiency, kidney stones, ethanol consumption, etc. should use with caution.
3. To avoid gastrointestinal side effects, it should be taken with food or 8 to 12 ounces of water.
4. It is not recommended for children with viral diseases. The use of salicylates in children with varicella or influenza-like illness is associated with an increased incidence of Reye’s syndrome.
5. NSAIDs have the potential to provoke HF by inhibiting prostaglandins, which leads to sodium and water retention, increased systemic vascular resistance, and decreased response to diuretics.
6. High-dose aspirin (greater than 325 mg) should be avoided or discontinued if possible.

Aspirin contraindications

1. allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs; Aspirin-related hypersensitivity reactions including aspirin-induced urticaria (HLA-DRB1*1302-DQB1*0609 haplotype), aspirin-intolerant asthma
2. Allergy to tartazine dye
3. Absolute contraindications for bleeding gastrointestinal ulcers, hemolytic anemia due to pyruvate kinase (PK) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, hemophilia, hemorrhagic diathesis, hemorrhoids, nursing mothers, nasal polyps with asthma, sarcoidocytopeniacolitis, sarcoidocytopeniacolitis
4. Familial conditions such as appendicitis, asthma (bronchial), chronic diarrhea, intestinal outflow obstruction (for enteric-coated formulations), dehydration, erosive gastritis, hypoparathyroidism

Aspirin side effects

Bronchospasm, skin problems, gastrointestinal pain, ulcers, bleeding, hepatotoxicity, hearing loss, nausea, etc. are some of the side effects of aspirin. Most people who use this drug do not experience serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects such as easy bruising or bleeding, uncontrolled bleeding from the gums or nose, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual fatigue, symptoms of kidney problems (such as changes in the amount of urine) and… Stop the medicine and see a doctor.

1. angioedema
2. Bronchospasm
3. Skin problems or hives
4. Gastrointestinal pain, ulcers, bleeding
5. Hepatotoxicity
6. hearing loss
7. Nausea and vomiting
8. Pulmonary edema (due to salicylate, non-cardiac)
9. kidney damage
10. Tinnitus
11. urticaria

Aspirin drug interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk of serious side effects. Before taking any medicine, make a list of the chemical and herbal products you use and show it to the doctor when you see him. Mifepristone drugs, other drugs that can cause bleeding or bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, blood thinners (such as warfarin and dabigatran), corticosteroids (such as prednisone), ginkgo biloba, etc.) will cause drug interactions with aspirin tablets.

Taking aspirin during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Avoid chronic or intermittent high doses during pregnancy. Because it may affect the homeostasis mechanisms of the mother and the baby and lead to an increased risk of bleeding. High doses can also increase perinatal mortality with intrauterine growth restriction and teratogenic effects.

Also, premature closure of the ductus arteriosus may occur with short-term use of full-dose aspirin. Consult a healthcare professional before using OTC medications during pregnancy. The drug enters the mother’s milk, taking into account the importance of the drug for the mother, a decision should be made about stopping breastfeeding or stopping the drug.

Storage conditions for aspirin tablets

Aspirin should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep all chemical and herbal medicines out of the reach of children and animals. Dispose of this product properly when it has expired or is no longer needed. Avoid pouring all kinds of medicines into the toilet well, street and sewer.

A final word about aspirin tablets

As we said in this article from Positive Green Online Pharmacy magazine, aspirin is considered one of the oldest drugs to control pain and fever, acute coronary syndrome, anti-inflammatory, ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack, etc. One of the important aspects of this product is the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Numerous studies have shown that regular aspirin use can greatly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Also, aspirin is effective in treating some other problems such as migraine headaches and joint inflammation.

However, it should be noted that its use requires consultation with a doctor. It is very important to accurately determine the appropriate dose and duration of use, pay attention to side effects and consider issues related to safe use.

Site source: Medscape