Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as aspirin, is a medication used to treat some disorders of the circulatory system and the osteoarticular system.
In the following article, we give you all the information you need to know about this drug and its different uses for your health.
What is acetylsalicylic acid?
Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to the group of drugs called antiplatelet agents and is a drug indicated to treat some symptoms such as fever, pain and inflammation.
To highlight: Its use is also indicated for joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and acute rheumatic fever. It is administered orally and its absorption is rapid and complete . Aspirin, as it is also known, belongs to a family of drugs called salicylates.
Its presentation is in tablets or pills of 500 mg and the indicated dose will be based on the pathology to be treated and the opinion of the doctor or specialist. Aspirin has acetylsalicylic acid as its active ingredient and is accompanied by powdered cellulose and corn starch in its composition.
What is acetylsalicylic acid used for?
Below we present the most common uses for which this medication is indicated in our health:
1. Mild or moderate pain
Used as an analgesic, acetylsalicylic acid is indicated for the treatment of pain in the body such as headaches, menstrual periods, joint pain due to arthritis, tooth pain and muscle pain.
Its mechanism of action is the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, preventing the stimulation of pain receptors by bradykinin and other substances. The recommended dose in these cases is 500 mg every 3 hours, but it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Note: Aspirin is also an effective anti-inflammatory.
2. Fever
Used as an antipyretic, acetylsalicylic acid is indicated to treat common fevers that usually appear due to colds or flu.
The recommended dose in adults is 500 mg every 8 hours, but specialist supervision is recommended . Its mechanism of action against fever is that it produces peripheral vasodilation around the hypothalamus , leading to increased blood flow to the skin, sweating, and heat loss. (1)
Important: This medication should not be used in children and adolescents, as it can cause effects that could be very serious, such as Reye’s Syndrome .
3. Chronic diseases
This medicine is also indicated to treat chronic diseases of osteoarticular origin such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and acute rheumatic fever. Aspirin helps to mitigate discomfort such as pain, inflammatory processes and fever that arise as symptoms of these pathologies.
It is also used in other chronic diseases such as ischemic heart disease, headache, diabetes mellitus, and cerebrovascular disease. (two)
Contraindications of acetylsalicylic acid
The consumption of acetylsalicylic acid can be counterproductive in certain people, so the following precautions should be taken:
1. Sensitivity to components
There are patients with sensitivity to the components of aspirin that can cause serious consequences , such as allergies that can lead to anaphylactic shock due to medications.
Note: If you know you have a sensitivity to aspirin or any component of aspirin, avoid taking this medication and consult your doctor.
2. Hemophilia and coagulation disorders
Taking this medication may cause a risk to the blood or circulatory system such as bleeding, if the patient suffers from hemophilia (hereditary disorder characterized by a blood clotting defect).
If you know you have this disease, avoid taking this medicine at all costs as it could have a serious health consequence. This medicine alters the coagulation function of platelets, facilitating the appearance of bleeding.
Important: Before taking this medicine, it is recommended that the patient have a platelet aggregation test , to verify the state of the platelets and their coagulant action.
3. Gastroduodenal ulcer, discomfort and gastric perforation
This medicine cannot be taken in patients who may be at risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric bleeding or other stomach conditions, because aspirin inhibits the production of prostaglandins, a substance that allows the formation of the gastric mucosa, intended to protect the walls of the stomach. stomach from the effects of hydrochloric acid.
This causes the appearance of gastritis, and the consequent harmful action on ulcers and perforations in the stomach walls.
Important: It is advisable to accompany the consumption of this type of drugs with a gastric protector.
4. Hepatic and renal failure
Taking this drug can have adverse effects in patients with liver or kidney damage, so the administration of acetylsalicylic acid should be restricted to people with liver cirrhosis and acute kidney failure. The hepatotoxicity character of acetylsalicylic acid in high doses has been shown. (3)
In the case of those patients with reduced renal function, acetylsalicylic acid can reduce the filtering capacity of renal function, causing sodium retention with consequences for the body. (4)
Important: To prevent irreversible damage to kidney function, avoid taking aspirin for a long time.
5. Asthma
In those who frequently suffer from respiratory disorders such as asthma, the risk of producing an intolerant reaction during the consumption of acetylsalicylic acid may increase, with a sudden worsening of asthma, throat inflammation and nasal congestion.
Statistically, this worsening is more common in women and should be replaced by another drug during acute respiratory complications. (5)
Important: The use of this medication in children with asthmatic episodes has not reported any clinical complications.
6. Pregnancy and lactation
Due to its anticoagulant effect, acetylsalicylic acid is contraindicated from the last trimester of pregnancy , due to the risk of bleeding and the complications it can cause both in the mother and in the baby.
In the lactation period, the presence of acetylsalicylic acid in breast milk has been described , especially when it has been administered in high doses, which can affect the liver function of the child, in addition to the risk of reducing the body’s ability to clot blood. .
What side effects does acetylsalicylic acid have?
Acetylsalicylic acid can generate possible adverse effects during its administration, so we will mention the most common ones below:
1. Gastrointestinal disorders
One effect of taking this medicine is that it can cause discomfort in the stomach and intestines such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, and even risk of digestive bleeding or increased bleeding if you suffer from it.
Important: It is advisable to consult with your doctor if necessary, so that he can indicate the necessary recommendations.
2. Kidney conditions
Another effect is caused in renal function and is due to the decrease caused by acetylsalicylic acid in the filtration process of the kidneys.
The data sheet for this product indicates that it may increase the risk of renal insufficiency and acute renal failure. (6)
Important: If you suffer from any kidney complication, you should consult your doctor before taking this type of medication, because it can enhance kidney damage.
3. Hypertension
Due to renal failure that acetylsalicylic acid can cause, a series of pathologies arises in the body such as fluid retention , increased sodium in the blood and limited elimination of toxins.
This picture can easily cause an alteration in blood pressure levels , suddenly increasing their values, with the consequences and risks that it brings.
4. Skin reactions
The chemical content of aspirin can cause some allergic reactions on the skin after consumption, because it is possible that it is sensitive to any of its components. Symptoms such as hives, redness of the skin and inflammation are some of the manifestations that most frequently appear.
Important: For medical prevention reasons, it is recommended that if you notice any of these symptoms while taking acetylsalicylic acid, immediately stop using it and consult your doctor.
Key Findings
- Acetylsalicylic acid is used as an anti- inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antiplatelet agent.
- It should not be administered during the third trimester of pregnancy, due to the danger of bleeding and liver damage to the baby.
- Your prescription must be made by a doctor after evaluating the patient to prevent damage to health.
- May cause allergic reactions due to hypersensitivity to the components of acetylsalicylic acid.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.