Acetylsalicylic Acid

Uses of Acetylsalicylic Acid

Aspirin is commonly used in the treatment of arthralgia joint pain, dental pain, fever, headache, heart attack, ischemic stroke, muscle pain, osteoarthritis, post-operative pain, prevention of heart attack, rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke prevention, and unstable angina.

How Acetylsalicylic Acid Works

Aspirin is a selective and irreversible inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme resulting in inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes from arachidonic acid

Side Effects of Acetylsalicylic Acid

Tinnitus, Thrombocytopenia, Dyspepsia, Gastric irritation, Asthma, Rash, Urticaria, Anemia, Nausea, Confusion

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

Prolonged intake of a high dose of Acetylsalicylic Acid may cause chronic renal failure known as chronic interstitial nephritis and It is contraindicated in severe renal failure.

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is unsafe to consume Acetylsalicylic Acid and alcohol as Acetylsalicylic Acid inhibits platelet aggregation and alcohol may aggravate this effect of Acetylsalicylic Acid and causes gastrointestinal bleeding.

Pregnancy Not Safe

There is proven data of human fetal risk on the intake of Acetylsalicylic Acid during pregnancy. Acetylsalicylic Acid can be taken when needed in the first two trimesters but it is not advisable in the third trimester. It may cause hemostasis impairment both in maternal and fetus and it may also cause teratogenic effect, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and perinatal mortality if taken in high doses.

Driving Generally Safe

There are no studies of Acetylsalicylic Acid on the effect of ability to drive. Do not drive unless you are well.

Liver Use With Care

Prolonged use of moderate to high doses of Acetylsalicylic Acid may cause liver injury. However, It is asymptomatic despite abnormal liver function tests. Therefore, It is safer to use in low doses.

Lactation Not Advisable

Acetylsalicylic Acid can be excreted in breast milk. There were significant effects reported in nursing infants such as metabolic acidosis, rashes, platelet abnormalities, and bleeding. Therefore, it is advisable to take Acetylsalicylic Acid with caution for nursing mothers

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).