Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which was the first of this class of drug to be discovered.
It contains salicylate, a compound found in plants such as the willow tree and myrtle. Its use was first recorded around 4,000 years ago. As analgesics, NSAIDs tend to be non narcotic. This means that they do not cause insensibility or stupor.
The drug is a trademark owned by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer. The generic term for aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid.
Essence of the Drug
It is a common drug used for the relief of minor aches, pains, and fever. People also use it as an anti-inflammatory or blood thinner.
People often buy the medicine without a prescription. By taking it daily, it lowers the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as a heart attack or stroke. In people with a high risk, doctors may administer aspirin immediately after a heart attack to prevent further clots and heart tissue death.
Uses and benefits
Aspirin has many uses, including relieving pain and swelling, managing various conditions, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues in people with a high risk.
Below, we describe these uses in more details.
- Pain and swelling
It can relieve mild to moderate pain, swelling, or both associated with many health issues, such as:
- headaches
- a cold or flu
- sprains and strains
- long-term conditions, such as arthritis and migraine
- Menstrual cramps
For severe pain, a doctor may recommend using it alongside another drug, such as an opioid pain reliever or another NSAID.
- Preventing cardiovascular events
The daily use of its low dose can lower the risk of cardiovascular events in some people. It is not safe for everyone.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends only using the drug in a way under the supervision of a doctor.
In people with a high risk of cardiovascular events, low-dose aspirin can reduce the risk by preventing blood clots from forming.
A doctor may recommend daily low-dose aspirin for people who :
- have a heart or blood vessel disease
- have evidence of poor blood flow to the brain
- have high blood cholesterol
- have high blood pressure, or hypertension
- have diabetes
- smoke
However, for people without these issues, the risks of long-term aspirin use can outweigh the benefits.
Related Posts
The 2016 recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force say that adults aged 50-59 may take the drug daily to prevent colorectal cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease. However, this guidance only applies to adults in the age range that:
- have at least a 10% 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease
- do not have a high risk of bleeding
- have a life expectancy of at least 10 years
- are willing to take a daily low dose for at least 10 years
Risks and precautions
People with the following conditions should be cautious about taking aspirin, and should only do so if a doctor recommends it:
- bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia
- uncontrolled high blood pressure
- peptic or stomach ulcers
- liver or kidney diseases
- Asthma
Under a doctor’s supervision, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding may take low dose aspirin. Doctors usually do not recommend high dose aspirin during pregnancy.
Anyone with a known allergy to aspirin or any other NSAID, such as Ibuprofen, should avoid these drugs.
Doctors do not administer aspirin during a stroke because not all strokes are caused by blood clots. In some cases, aspirin could make a stroke worse.
Also, anyone who drinks alcohol regularly or is undergoing dental or surgical treatment, however small, should ask a doctor before taking aspirin.
Side effects
The most common side effects of aspirin are:
- stomach or gut irritation
- nausea
- Indigestion
The following adverse effects are less common:
- worsening asthma symptoms
- vomiting
- stomach inflammation
- stomach bleeding
- bruising
Aspirin can also have very serious side effects, such as bleeding in the brain, stomach, or kidney failure. A rare side effect of daily low dose aspirin is hemorrhagic stroke.
Summary
Aspirin can help prevent and treat a range of health issues, but people under 18 should not take it without medical guidance.
Aspirin is available by prescription. Always follow the instructions on the label or a doctor’s guidance. This is especially crucial for people who may be more likely to experience adverse effects.
Aspirin is not safe for everyone, especially when taken daily. Other options for mild pain relief include other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.
