What is Aspirin?
A(caps)spirin is a drug belonging to the group called NSAIDs
(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These drugs are widely used by
doctors to treat pain, inflammation, and sometimes fever. Aspirin is an
over-the-counter medication that’s available worldwide.
Though the name aspirin is typically used, the actual name of the drug is acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin is the brand name given by the drug company Bayer. Due to Second World War, however, the company no longer holds exclusive rights to acetylsalicylic acid, and many generic versions are now available.
What is Aspirin Used For?
As an NSAID, aspirin is used to treat the pain and inflammation common to several conditions. Its over-the-counter versions are typically used for headaches, aches and pains, and mild fevers associated with colds and the flu. At higher doses, aspirin has traditionally been used to treat arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, but these functions are being taken over by newer medications.
Low-dose aspirin is now used as preventative care for people with existing heart conditions. Aspirin has a strong blood-thinning effect, which helps prevent heart attack and stroke in vulnerable people. Current research is suggesting that low-dose aspirin isn’t as effective in people who are healthy or don’t have existing heart conditions.
Recent research is also suggesting that aspirin, and other NSAIDs, have cancer-preventing properties. Since these effects are dose-dependent, however, there is a risk of serious side effects, and the research on aspirin’s potential as an anti-cancer drug is still in early phases.
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Side Effects of Aspirin
Stomach and intestinal discomfort are the most common problems encountered by people taking aspirin. Due to the drug’s action on certain hormones in the body, aspirin makes the digestive system more vulnerable to its digestive juices. Nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal distress are the most frequent issues.
In serious cases, aspirin can cause stomach or intestinal bleeding. These problems indicate a serious reaction to the drugs, and if the person taking aspirin sees, any warning signs, he or she should see a doctor immediately. Here are some warning signs.
- black bowel movements (looking very dark or like tar)
- black vomit (looking like coffee grounds)
- any sign of blood during bowel movements or vomiting
- intense pain in the stomach or abdomen (could be a sign of a stomach ulcer)
Aspirin isn’t gentle on the stomach, so other NSAIDs that have milder digestive side effects are becoming more popular. However, most NSAIDs carry an increased risk of heart disease. Only aspirin doesn’t seem to cause an increase in blood pressure or the frequency of heart attack and stroke. However, this is largely thanks to the blood-thinning qualities of the drug, so aspirin should never be mixed with other blood-thinning medications (such as warfarin).
Contraindications of Aspirin
“Contraindication” is the medical term for “bad drug mixture.” We have already mentioned blood thinners like warfarin, which combined with aspirin make excessive bleeding a serious concern. Likewise, aspirin doesn’t combine well with diuretics, increasing the chance of kidney damage.
Also, anyone taking ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure shouldn’t use NSAIDs, including aspirin. The action of NSAIDs interferes with the normal function of the blood pressure drugs. They have a similar effect on SSRI anti-depressants.
Most commonly asked, though, is whether aspirin and other NSAIDs are safe to take with alcohol. The answer is a definite “No.” Any NSAID combined with alcohol greatly increases the risk of stomach and intestinal bleeding.
Should I Take Aspirin?
Maybe. This article isn’t medical advice, but information about the medicine. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your doctor or pharmacist to decide if aspirin can help you. Consult a health care professional to be sure what medication is best for your situation
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