Other Brands/Names

Acetylsalicylic Acid, Aptor, Aspirin, Ascardia, Astika, Aspilet, Cardio Aspirin, Cartylo, Contrexyn, Farmasal, Thrombo Aspilet, Miniaspi, Inzana, Bodrexin, Nospirinal, Gramasal, Minigrip.

How It Works

Commonly referred to as acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin functions by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX-1) enzyme. This action helps alleviate symptoms of pain, inflammation, and fever. Additionally, it plays a role in reducing the formation of blood clots, which is why it is often referred to as a blood thinner or antiplatelet medication.

Indications

1. Blockage in the heart's blood vessels leading to pain or heart attack (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction)

2. Blockage in the brain’s blood vessels (e.g., ischemic stroke)

3. Fever

4. Mild to moderate pain

5. Rheumatic conditions

6. As a preventive measure for cardiovascular disease in patients considered high-risk by a healthcare professional

Contraindications

1. Allergy or hypersensitivity to painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin

2. History of gastrointestinal bleeding

3. Children under the age of 12 and breastfeeding mothers

4. Blood disorders such as blood cancer or hemophilia

5. Severe kidney disorders

6. Severe liver disorders

Side Effects

Aspirin can cause digestive issues, including inflammation and bleeding in the stomach. It may also trigger allergic reactions, such as hives or swelling of the face and eyelids. Very rare side effects include Reye's syndrome (a condition that can cause brain and liver swelling, primarily in children and teenagers) and brain bleeding.

Types

Aspirin, along with other medications containing acetylsalicylic acid, can be bought over the counter. It is often used to reduce pain or fever. Common aspirin preparations include:

• 500 mg tablets

• 80 mg and 100 mg enteric-coated tablets

• 80 mg chewable tablets

Dosage

1. Purpose: Primary prevention in cases of blockage in the brain’s blood vessels (ischemic stroke) and heart attacks (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction).

• • Adult dosage: 150 – 300 mg

2. Purpose: Treatment for mild to moderate fever or pain.

• • Adult dosage: Initial dose: 300 – 900 mg, repeated every 4 – 6 hours as needed (maximum daily dose: 4 grams).

3. Purpose: For rheumatic diseases.

• • Adult dosage:

    • Acute conditions: 4 – 8 grams per day in divided doses.

    • Chronic conditions: 5.4 grams per day in divided doses.

4. Purpose: Prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients.

• • Adult dosage:

    • Short-term: 150 – 300 mg daily.

    • Long-term: 75 – 150 mg once a day.

Safety

Pregnancy: Category C (animal studies have indicated potential harm to the fetus, but adequate human studies are lacking). Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using this medication to weigh potential benefits and risks, especially during pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

1. ACE inhibitors (for high blood pressure)

Concurrent use with aspirin can reduce kidney function, and aspirin may also lessen the effectiveness of ACE inhibitors, such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and ramipril.

2. Pain relievers 

The effectiveness of aspirin in preventing blood clotting may be diminished if taken together with pain relievers such as ketorolac or ibuprofen.

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