Aspirin is a drug coming under the category of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ). It has different types of effects including anti pyretic, anti inflammatory, anti platelet etc. Aspirin is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the world. Aspirin is also undergoing a number of researches and clinical studies for its newer effects and applications.
Here we can discuss important facts about aspirin
Aspirin is one of the oldest drug
Aspirin is the oldest NSAID used for pain, fever, inflammation and rheumatism. Even in ancient times humans used some of the herbs which contained salicylic acid like willow bark and meadow sweet for the treatment of pain and fever. Historians found the mentionings of medicines prepared from willow bark and other salicylate rich herbs in ancient clay tablets of Sumerians and egyptians. Greek physician Hippocrates also recorded the medicinal effects of these drugs.
Invention and naming of Aspirin
In 1828 German pharmacologist Johann Andreas Buchner isolated and purified the active compound salicin from willow bark. Later Italian chemist Raffaele Piria separated salicylic acid from salicin. These two products were very effective medicine in those days and had a wide use in the treatment of pain, fever and rheumatism . But they had problems with side effects such as stomach irritation and others.
In 1853 French chemist Frederic Gerhardt formulated Acetylsalicylic acid by acetylation of sodium salicylate with acetyl chloride. It was found to be more effective and safe.
Later scientists in Bayer pharmaceutical company also modified salicylic acid and the resulting product is named as the legendary brand Aspirin.
Facts about aspirin: Mechanism of action
- Mechanism of action of Aspirin was discovered by British pharmacologist John Robert Vane in 1971. He received the Nobel Prize in 1982 for his findings. According to him Aspirin produces its effects by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandin in the body.
- Prostaglandins are chemicals produced in different sites of the body which mediates pain, fever and inflammation. Aspirin blocks the production of prostaglandins by inhibiting the enzymes Cyclooxygenase-1 ( COX-1 ) and Cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX-2 ). By this way aspirin prevents the effects of prostaglandins.
- Aspirin is an irreversible blocker of Cyclooxygenase enzymes. All other NSAIDs are reversible blockers.
- Aspirin also blocks production of Thromboxane A2 by inhibiting Cyclooxygenase-2. Thromboxane is responsible for the platelet aggregation and formation of blood clots. So by blocking thromboxane A2 production aspirin reduces chances of heart attack and stroke.
Facts about aspirin: Applications of aspirin
- Pain, fever and inflammation:
Aspirin is the oldest effective medicine for pain, fever and inflammation. Usually one has to take a high dose for good effect but the problem is that these doses may lead to stomach irritation. Nowadays aspirin is not widely used for these purposes because of the availability of newer and more effective ones.
- Prevention and treatment of heart attacks and strokes:
Because of the antiplatelet aggregation effect of aspirin it is widely recommended for the prevention of heart attack and strokes. For those who had a previous heart attack or stroke regular taking of a low dose of aspirin decreases the chances of recurrent attack or stroke. Nowadays it has become the major use of aspirin.
- Prevention of certain types of cancers:
Recent studies show that long time use of low doses of aspirin prevents appearance of certain types of cancers like colorectal cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer etc.
- Aspirin is used for the treatment of Kawasaki disease and rheumatic fever in children.
- Several studies are underway to determine the useful application of aspirin in several mental disorders like bipolar disorder.
Adverse effects of aspirin
- Gastrointestinal effects:
Continuous use or higher doses of aspirin may produce gastrointestinal side effects like vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, vomiting etc. These effects are due to blockage of production prostaglandins which protect gastric mucosa.
- Bleeding:
Since aspirin blocks platelet aggregation by blocking the production of thromboxane A2 it will also lead to prolongation of clotting time. There will be side effects like gum-bleeding, intestinal bleeding, etc.
- Respiratory depression:
Aspirin induces respiratory depression in some in some individuals. It is termed as Aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease ( AERD ).
- Reye’s syndrome:
When aspirin is used in the treatment of viral infections such as influenza or chicken pox that may sometimes lead to a serious side effect known as Reye’s syndrome. It is mostly observed in children under 12 years of age.
- At toxic doses aspirin produces tinnitus ( ringing in the ear ), nausea, abdominal pain, hyperventilation, seizure, hypoglycemia, cardiac arrest etc.
Read more about adverse drug reactions
Aspirin interactions
- Taking aspirin with other anticoagulants like warfarin will lead to prolonged bleeding.
- Aspirin replaces certain drugs from their plasma binding sites to produce their toxicity. Examples are tolbutamide, phenytoin, and valproic acid.
- Taking alcohol along with aspirin increases risk of gastric bleeding
Facts about aspirin: Precautions and contraindications
- Take aspirin only after a major meal, it will reduce chances of stomach irritation
- Patients having peptic ulcer, hemolytic anemia, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hemorrhoids etc better avoid or take special precautions while using aspirin.
- Do not use it in Children under 12 years of age , especially in viral infections..
- Avoid taking alcohol, which may lead to GI bleeding.
- Avoid in asthma patients and lactating mothers
- Don’t take aspirin with other anticoagulant medicines without proper medical supervision. Also avoid other natural blood thinner supplements.
Disclaimer: the above article about aspirin is only for information purposes, not for self medication.
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