Acetylsalicylic Acid
Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or more commonly known as aspirin is a drug that can treat pain and fever due to various causes. This drug is included in the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This class of drugs works by preventing the formation of prostaglandins, which are substances that trigger inflammation, pain, and fever. That way, these conditions can be relieved.
In low doses, aspirin can also prevent platelets from sticking together, thus preventing blood clots. Therefore, this drug can also be used to prevent heart disease caused by blood clots, such as stroke.
This medicine is available in tablet form. Most of these medicines can be purchased freely at pharmacies, drug stores, or supermarkets. However, some types are only available with a doctor’s prescription.
Benefits of Acetylsalicylic Acid
There are many benefits of acetylsalicylic acid, such as relieving pain, reducing fever, reducing inflammation, and reducing the risk of heart attacks in people at high risk. Here is the explanation:
1. Relieves pain and swelling
Acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin can relieve mild to moderate pain, swelling, or both associated with many health problems, such as:
- Headache.
- Cold or flu.
- Sprains and strains.
- Menstrual cramps.
- Long-term conditions, such as arthritis and migraines
To treat severe pain, your doctor may recommend using aspirin along with other medications, such as opioid pain relievers or other NSAIDs.
2. Prevent cardiovascular events
For people who have had a stroke or heart attack, or are at high risk for these heart conditions, doctors may recommend taking this drug in low doses every day. This drug is useful for reducing the risk of these cardiovascular events by preventing blood clots from forming.
3. Other uses
This medication may also help treat pain and inflammation associated with the following chronic health conditions:
- Rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other inflammatory joint conditions. In addition to aspirin.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Inflammation around the heart or pericarditis.
Acetylsalicylic Acid Dosage
The following are the doses of acetylsalicylic acid for adults based on the purpose of treatment:
- To relieve fever or pain
The initial dose is 300-900 milligrams (mg), which you can take every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose is 4000 mg per day.
- To prevent stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular events
Dosage: 75-150 mg, which your doctor can adjust based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
- To relieve rheumatic and other inflammatory conditions
Dosage: 3000-4000 mg per day that you need to divide into several doses. The doctor will determine the dosage based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
How to Use Acetylsalicylic Acid
Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice and read the instructions for use listed on the drug packaging label when you want to take this medicine. Take the medicine exactly according to the dose your doctor recommends. Do not take more or less, or more often than your doctor recommends.
Swallow the aspirin tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not split, crush or chew it. This medicine should be taken after meals.
Try to take this medication at the same time every day. If you forget or miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and do not double your dose at the next scheduled time.
If the pain does not improve after 10 days, or the fever does not go down after 3 days of using this medicine, or if the painful body part becomes red or swollen, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature, dry, and away from direct sunlight. Also, keep this medication out of reach of children.
Cautions in Using Acetylsalicylic Acid
Here are some things you need to pay attention to before using this medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you have allergies to aspirin or other medications for pain or fever, tartrazine dye, or other medications.
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, from prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, supplements, and herbal products. This is to prevent drug interactions.
- If you take this medication regularly to prevent heart attack or stroke, do not take ibuprofen for pain or fever without talking to your doctor first.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, frequent stuffy or runny nose, or nasal polyps (growths on the lining of the nose). If you have these conditions, there is a risk that you will have an allergic reaction to aspirin.
- Also tell your doctor if you often have heartburn or stomach pain, or if you have or have ever had ulcers, anemia, bleeding problems such as hemophilia, or kidney or liver disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This medication in high doses can be harmful to the fetus.
- If you are going to have surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking aspirin.
- Tell your doctor if you frequently drink alcohol.
Side Effects of Acetylsalicylic Acid
Just like most drugs, this drug can also cause side effects. Here are some common side effects:
- Nauseous.
- Vomit.
- Stomach ache.
- Heartburn, namely a burning sensation in the chest.
Call your doctor right away if the above side effects do not improve or get worse. Some serious side effects can also occur. See your doctor right away if you experience the following side effects:
- Itchy rash.
- Rash.
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- Hoarse voice.
- Heart pounding.
- Rapid breathing.
- Cold and clammy skin.
- Ringing in the ears.
- Hearing loss.
- Vomiting blood.
Acetylsalicylic Acid Interactions
Interactions may involve one drug making another drug less effective or the combination making it dangerous. Acetylsalicylic acid can interact with many drugs. Some of these include:
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers
Examples include diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen. When combined with acetylsalicylic acid or aspirin, these types of drugs can increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other antidepressants
Examples include citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, venlafaxine, and sertraline. When combined with aspirin, these can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Warfarin
In combination with these blood thinners, aspirin may reduce the anticoagulant effect of the drug and increase the risk of bleeding. However, there are situations when this combination may be beneficial.
- Methotrexate
In combination with this drug, which is commonly used to treat cancer and some autoimmune diseases, acetylsalicylic acid can make the drug more difficult to eliminate, potentially resulting in toxic levels of methotrexate.
Acetylsalicylic Acid Contraindications
Acetylsalicylic acid is contraindicated for the following conditions:
- Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- Asthma.
- Gastric ulcer.
- Liver or kidney disease.
People who are allergic to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, should also avoid this medication. Remember, do not give acetylsalicylic acid to children under 16 years of age unless directed by a doctor.