ASPIRIN
Background and Date of Approval
Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug belonging to the class of platelet aggregation inhibitors. It was approved on 10 February 1939 for the prevention of pain, fever, inflammation and cardiovascular events.
Uses
Aspirin Tablet works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), specifically COX-1, which is involved in the production of thromboxane A2. Thromboxane A2 promotes platelet aggregation, which can lead to the formation of blood clots. By inhibiting thromboxane A2 production, it helps to prevent excessive platelet aggregation and reduces the risk of blood clot formation
How is it administered?
It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the duration and dose of the drug based on the disease condition and other factors. Always take an Aspirin Tablet as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not open, break, chew, or crush the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Aspirin are diarrhea, nausea, ringing in your ears, pain or discomfort in your stomach, liver problems with symptoms may include whites of the eyes (jaundice) or yellowing of the skin, dark yellow urine, and fatigue. Some serious side effects also include vomiting with blood, blood in your urine, bruising with purple spots, black stools, decreased red blood cell counts, kidney stones (which can cause severe stomach or back pains). If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report to your doctor immediately.
Warnings
This drug should not be given to teenagers and children who have or are recovering from viral infections, particularly chickenpox or influenza. In these cases, it has been associated with developing Reye's syndrome, a serious condition affecting the liver and brain. This medicine is primarily metabolized in the liver and eliminated through the kidneys. Individuals with severe liver or kidney disease may have impaired clearance of this drug and an increased risk of toxicity. Therefore, caution is advised, and the dosage may need to be adjusted. Aspirin Tablet can increase the risk of bleeding. Hence, it is contraindicated in individuals with active bleeding conditions, such as bleeding ulcers, bleeding disorders, or recent hemorrhagic strokes.
Precautions
Regarding fertility, this drug may temporarily affect fertility in women. But, the effect is generally reversible upon discontinuation of the medication. If you have concerns regarding the effect of this drug on fertility, it is recommended to discuss them with your healthcare professional. Patients are also advised to report any skin or hypersensitivity reactions to their healthcare provider and to seek medical emergency immediately if they experience any symptoms of a severe reaction. This drug may trigger asthma or bronchospasm in individuals who are sensitive to it. This condition is known as aspirin-induced asthma. It mainly occurs in patients with a history of asthma or nasal polyps. If you have any respiratory problems, immediately inform your doctor before taking the Aspirin Tablet. They will evaluate your specific condition and determine if this drug is safe or an alternative medication should be considered
Word of Advice
Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency unless your doctor advises otherwise. Before taking Aspirin Tablet or any other medication, inform your healthcare professional of any existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are currently taking. This information will help your doctor determine whether this tablet is suitable for you and whether any precautions or dosage adjustments are needed. Continue taking this tablet only after consulting your healthcare professional, even if you feel better. Store this tablet in a safe place, away from the reach of children. Accidental ingestion by children can be harmful.
References
Alliance Pharmaceuticals Limited, Patient information leaflet aspirin 300mg - medicines (EMC). [Revised on Aug 2022], Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8627.pdf (Accessed on 23 May 2023). Aspirin - food and drug administration (FDA). [Revised on Sep 2015], Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/200671s000lbl.pdf (Accessed on 23 May 2023). Package leaflet: Information for the user - Aspirin. www.hpra.ie . [Revised on Dec 2019], Available at: https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/697b07a9-17b2-42b9-bdaa-20bc441264e4.pdf (Accessed on 23 May 2023). Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics,Modulation of Cardiovascular function, 12th edition, 2011, 754. KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Autacoids and related drugs, NSAIDs and antipyretic analgesics, 7th edition, 2013, 184,193.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should not take an Aspirin Tablet?
Aspirin Tablet can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, individuals with active bleeding conditions, such as bleeding ulcers, bleeding disorders, or recent hemorrhagic strokes, should avoid taking this tablet.
What medicines should I avoid with the Aspirin Tablet?
It is necessary to make your healthcare provider aware of any medicines you take, including herbal, vitamin supplements, or other medicines you may buy from the pharmacy or online, to ensure that they are compatible with Aspirin Tablet and any other drugs you are taking.
Whether Aspirin Tablet be given along with combination therapy?
Yes, In some cases, Aspirin Tablet may be prescribed in combination with other classes of medications, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or nitroglycerin, for managing angina. The specific dosage and combination of medications will depend on the individual's condition and response to treatment.
Do I get hepatic impairment when taking this Aspirin Tablet?
The liver metabolizes this drug, so individuals with severe hepatic impairment should avoid taking Aspirin Tablet. It is important to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriateness of this medicine in individuals with liver problems.
What are the other uses of Aspirin Tablet?
Aspirin Tablet is used for various purposes, including pain relief (headaches, toothaches, muscle aches), fever reduction, inflammation reduction (arthritis, rheumatic fever), and as an antiplatelet agent for cardiovascular protection (prevention of heart attacks, angina, and strokes).
Do I need to take Aspirin Tablet with food?
Aspirin Tablet with food or immediately after eating is recommended to help reduce the risk of stomach upset or irritation. Follow the instructions or consult your healthcare professional regarding whether you should take the tablet with or without food.
Can anyone take Aspirin Tablet?
Aspirin Tablet may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with allergies or hypersensitivity to this drug or NSAIDs, active bleeding disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding history, severe liver or kidney disease, asthma or aspirin-induced asthma, and children/teenagers with viral infections should avoid or use this tablet cautiously
Should I stop taking Aspirin Tablet before surgery?
If you are scheduled for surgery, it's important to inform your healthcare professional about your Aspirin Tablet use. In some cases, this drug may need to be temporarily discontinued before surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. The decision to stop or continue the tablet should be well determined in consultation with your doctor.