MedDonald's
Sharing Medical Knowledges
By A Registered Nurse
Aspirin

Aspirin is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is commonly used for pain relief, reducing fever, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Usage
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Pain Relief: Aspirin is commonly used as an analgesic to relieve mild to moderate pain It is effective for acute pain, although it is generally considered inferior to ibuprofen.
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Anti-inflammatory Properties: Aspirin belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works by blocking certain substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
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Fever Reduction: Aspirin can also be used to reduce fever However, it is important to note that aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 12 without consulting a doctor.
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Heart Health: Low-dose aspirin is sometimes prescribed by doctors to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in certain individuals. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting aspirin therapy for this purpose.
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Blood Thinning: Aspirin has antiplatelet properties, which means it can help prevent blood clots from forming This is why low-dose aspirin is sometimes recommended for individuals at risk of blood clots.
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Other Uses: Aspirin is also found in combination with other medications in various over-the-counter products, such as cold and flu remedies However, it is important to read the labels and follow the recommended dosages.
Dosage
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Pain Relief: For mild to moderate pain relief, the typical aspirin dose is 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed. For minor aches and pains, the dose is 325 to 650 mg every 4 hours.
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Fever Reduction: The typical dose of aspirin for reducing fever is 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
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Heart Health: Low-dose aspirin is commonly used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The usual dose for this purpose is between 75 and 100 mg daily. The most commonly used dose is aspirin 81 mg, taken once daily.
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Other Uses: The dosage of aspirin can vary depending on the specific condition being treated. For example, doses for rheumatoid arthritis can range from 500 mg every 4-6 hours to 1950 mg twice daily. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or the recommended dosage on the medicine packet.
It is worth noting that the maximum daily dose of aspirin should not exceed 4 g (4000 mg) within a 24-hour period. Additionally, it is important to take aspirin with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
Side Effects
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Gastrointestinal Upset: One of the most common side effects of aspirin is gastrointestinal upset, which can range from mild indigestion to more serious issues like gastritis or gastrointestinal bleeding. Taking aspirin with food can help reduce the risk of stomach upset.
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Bleeding: Aspirin has antiplatelet properties, which means it can increase the risk of bleeding. This can manifest as easy bruising, nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding from cuts or injuries.
Precaution
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Bleeding Risk: Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking other medications that affect blood clotting. It is important to inform your healthcare provider if you have a bleeding or clotting disorder, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, or if you are taking other medications that may increase bleeding risk.
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Allergy and Asthma: Some individuals may be allergic to aspirin or develop asthma symptoms as a result of aspirin use. If you have a known allergy to aspirin or experience asthma symptoms after taking aspirin, it is important to avoid its use and consult with your healthcare provider.
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Stomach Ulcers: Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. If you have a history of bleeding stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, it is important to discuss the use of aspirin with your healthcare provider.
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Children and Teenagers: Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers under the age of 18, especially during viral illnesses, as it may increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking aspirin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it may have potential risks and considerations.
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Interactions with Other Medications: Aspirin can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal supplements. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Overdose
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Acute Overdose: Acute aspirin poisoning occurs when a person takes a very large dose of aspirin at one time. The dose necessary to cause acute poisoning is quite large, and it is seldom accidental. For example, a person weighing about 150 pounds would have to consume more than thirty 325-milligram aspirin tablets to develop even mild poisoning.
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Chronic Overdose: Chronic aspirin poisoning occurs when a normal daily dose of aspirin builds up in the body over time and causes symptoms. This may happen if your kidneys do not work correctly or when you are dehydrated. Chronic overdoses are usually seen in older people during hot weather.
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Symptoms: Symptoms of aspirin overdose can vary depending on the amount ingested. They may include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, confusion, rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.
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Treatment: If you suspect an aspirin overdose, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. The treatment for aspirin overdose may involve measures to remove the aspirin from the body, such as activated charcoal or gastric lavage (stomach pumping). Supportive care, including intravenous fluids and medications to manage symptoms, may also be provided.
Interaction
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Number of Interactions: There are numerous drugs known to interact with aspirin. There are 342 drugs known to interact with aspirin, including 51 major interactions, 246 moderate interactions, and 45 minor interactions.
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Types of Interactions: The interactions can vary in severity and mechanism. Some interactions may increase the risk of bleeding, while others may affect the effectiveness of certain medications. For example, combining aspirin with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to understand the specific interactions of aspirin with any other medications you may be taking.
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Specific Medications: Aspirin can interact with a wide range of medications, including but not limited to:
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Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, heparin) - Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., clopidogrel)
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Antidepressants - Diuretics (water pills) - Methotrexate - Lithium - Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) - Anticoagulants - Herbal supplements
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Individual Variations: The potential for drug interactions can vary depending on factors such as the dosage, duration of use, individual health conditions, and other medications being taken. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to ensure safe and effective use of aspirin.
Mechanism
The mechanism of action of aspirin involves several key processes in the body. Here are some important points regarding the mechanisms of aspirin:
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Inhibition of Prostaglandin Synthesis: Aspirin works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). This inhibition reduces the production of prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers involved in inflammation, pain, and fever.
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Antiplatelet Effects: Aspirin has antiplatelet properties, meaning it helps prevent the formation of blood clots. It does this by irreversibly inhibiting COX-1, an enzyme involved in the production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2), a substance that promotes platelet aggregation and blood clot formation.
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Formation of Specialized Proresolving Mediators: Aspirin-treated COX-2 can convert its activity from a prostaglandin-forming enzyme to a lipoxygenase-like enzyme. This leads to the formation of specialized pro-resolving mediators, such as aspirin-triggered lipoxins, resolvins, and maresins. These mediators possess potent anti-inflammatory activity and contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of aspirin.
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Other Effects: Aspirin has been found to have additional effects, such as reducing the production of certain substances involved in pain and inflammation, and modulating the immune response.
It is important to note that the mechanisms of aspirin are complex and involve interactions with various enzymes and pathways in the body. The understanding of these mechanisms continues to evolve, and ongoing research aims to uncover further insights.
Disclaimer
It is important to talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist about all medications and supplements being taken, to determine whether any interactions may occur. They can advise on the appropriate use and dosage of aspirin to avoid any potential drug interactions.