Aspirin is a member of a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), we can also group it with nonopioid analgesics and antiplatelet agents.
It works by:
- Blocking the effects of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 enzymes which prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that modulate inflammation and are also involved in blood vessel narrowing and widening and blood pressure control.
- Affecting platelets by inhibiting the formation of thromboxane A2, a prostaglandin derivative. This reduces the ability of the blood to clot.
It is used for:
- Short-term relief of symptoms such as a headache, pain, and fever that occur as a result of colds, muscle trauma, menstruation, and toothache.
- Relieving signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis.
- Improving the blood flow through heart-related revascularized areas (such as coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]) in small doses.
- Reducing risk of death or another stroke in people with a history of stroke due to blood clots or previous stroke-like events.
- Prevention of another heart attack or reduce the risk of death in people at risk of a heart attack, or who already have angina.
You may experience some side effects like:
- Stomach pain/irritation
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Cuts and minor wounds may bleed for longer than usual
The risk of side effects may be increased with:
- Higher dosages
- Individual sensitivity
- Certain herbal medications.
It’s very important to inform your healthcare provider if you are having:
- Severe kidney or liver disease.
- Allergic to NSAIDs
- Asthma
- Rhinitis
- Nasal polyps
Aspirin can also cause false-negative or false-positive results on some diagnostic tests and it may be stopped for a couple of weeks or days before surgery and it’s for that reason you should always ensure giving a precise medical history to your healthcare provider to carry out any necessary precautions or actions.
It’s important to take Aspirin with food or after meals and ensure hydration while taking Aspirin
It’s also very important to seek emergency help if you experience any head or neck swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe itching after taking aspirin.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms while taking aspirin you should inform your doctor immediately:
- ringing in your ears
- persistent stomach pain
- persistent indigestion or blackened stools
