Acetylsalicylic acid

Information About Acetylsalicylic acid

Uses of Acetylsalicylic acid

Aspirin is commonly used in the treatment of arthralgia joint pain, dental pain, fever, headache, heart attack, ischemic stroke, muscle pain, osteoarthritis, post-operative pain, prevention of heart attack, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke prevention, and unstable angina.

How Acetylsalicylic acid Works

Aspirin is a selective and irreversible inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme resulting in inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes from arachidonic acid

Side Effects of Acetylsalicylic acid

Tinnitus, Thrombocytopenia, Dyspepsia, Gastric irritation, Asthma, Rash, Urticaria, Anemia, Nausea, Confusion

Authorship

Written By

Dr Sri Viknarajan

MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Acetylsalicylic acid Related Warnings

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is unsafe to consume aspirin and alcohol as aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and alcohol may aggravate this effect of aspirin and causes gastrointestinal bleeding.

Pregnancy Not Safe

There is proven data of human fetal risk on the intake of aspirin during pregnancy. Aspirin can be taken when needed in the first two trimesters but it is not advisable in the third trimester. It may cause hemostasis impairment both in maternal and fetus and it may also cause teratogenic effect, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and perinatal mortality if taken in high doses.

Lactation Not Advisable

Aspirin can be excreted in breast milk. There were significant effects reported in nursing infants such as metabolic acidosis, rashes, platelet abnormalities, and bleeding. Therefore, it is advisable to take aspirin with caution for nursing mothers

Driving Generally Safe

Aspirin usually does not affect the ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are feeling well.

Kidney Use With Care

Prolonged intake of a high dose of aspirin may cause chronic renal failure known as chronic interstitial nephritis and It is contraindicated in severe renal failure.

Liver Use With Care

Prolonged use of moderate to high doses of aspirin may cause liver injury. However, It is asymptomatic despite abnormal liver function tests. Therefore, It is safer to use in low doses.