Aspirin and acetylsalicylic acid are well-known drugs that are similar in their effect and purpose. Are there any differences between them? What is their effectiveness and what is the hidden danger of uncontrolled use of funds?
Aspirin and its composition
In accordance with the generally accepted medical classification, Aspirin is classified as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic agent with a wide spectrum of action. In addition to acting on sources of pain, this drug is used to prevent the cardiovascular system.
The release forms of Aspirin are diverse. The drug is found in the form of soluble as well as conventional tablets. Regardless of the form of release, the main active ingredient of Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, which is responsible for the main pharmacological action.
Once in the body, the active component is completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the work of the liver and the action of its enzymes, acetylsalicylic acid is converted into the main metabolite. It is her action that helps relieve heat or relieve pain. With the coordinated work of the whole organism, the substance is completely eliminated within three days.
In modern pharmacology, acetylsalicylic acid is obtained by the interaction of salicylic and sulfuric acids with acetic anhydride. The resulting crystals are mixed with starch and get the well-known drug.
Acetylsalicylic acid
What is the difference between Aspirin and acetylsalicylic acid? A question that many people ask themselves when faced with a drug under the appropriate name.
The compositions of Aspirin and acetylsalicylic acid are exactly the same, the main active substance and its action are identical. From the point of view of pharmacology and medicine, “Aspirin” is the patented name for acetylsalicylic acid.
The name of the drug depends on the manufacturer, but in fact, “Aspirin” and acetylsalicylic acid are the same drug.
Indications for use
The main indications for the use of these agents depend on the action of acetylsalicylic acid on the human body. As mentioned above, Aspirin tablets are considered a broad-spectrum drug.
Given that Aspirin and acetylsalicylic acid are one and the same, the main recommendations for their use are identical:
- Prevention of thrombosis in the veins, which is especially important for bedridden patients.
- Prevention of the cardiovascular system. It is proved that regular intake reduces the risk of heart attack.
- Prevention of strokes, which also depends on the state of the vessels of the brain.
- Help the body after operations on the vessels.
- Elimination of various pain syndromes (toothache, headache, joint pain, pain during critical days in women).
- Inflammatory processes in the body, including infectious or purulent lesions.
With all the obvious advantages, it is important to study the instructions for use with Aspirin tablets, which will avoid undesirable consequences. Acetylsalicylic acid has a number of limitations for use.
Contraindications
Aspirin and acetylsalicylic acid have a number of rather serious contraindications that need to be known and taken into account during treatment.
The main contraindications:
- Individual intolerance to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Aspirin asthma.
- Gastric ulcer, intestinal ulceration, colitis.
- Pregnancy in women. It is especially important to observe the restrictions in the first and third trimester, taking the drug can lead to unwanted bleeding, miscarriage or premature birth.
- Lactation, as acetylsalicylic acid passes into breast milk.
- Individual contraindications, which are determined by the level of possible harm to health in relation to the intended benefits.
Instructions for use with Aspirin tablets or acetylsalicylic acid tablets describe in detail all the options for restrictions. If in doubt, consult a doctor, but do not expose the body to undue risk.
Dosage of drugs
The rule for taking Aspirin and acetylsalicylic acid is the same thing, it depends on the main indication for use, as well as the characteristics of human health. Any specialist will confirm that the dosage of the drugs is strictly individual. However, in medicine it is customary to use several universal techniques:
- To eliminate the pain syndrome in an adult (over 15 years old), one tablet (500 or 1000 mg) is used. The interval between doses should be at least 4 hours, and the course lasts no more than 5 days.
- If a person needs to reduce the fever, then the drug is prescribed in a course of up to 3 days. To achieve the desired effect, the medicine is washed down with plenty of water.
- For the prevention of the cardiovascular system and concomitant diseases, one tablet is prescribed per day or every other day. The duration of the course is determined by the attending physician.
Doctors recommend taking the drug after meals. This allows the active substance to be absorbed and have an effective therapeutic effect, without injuring the gastric mucosa. Prescribing the drug yourself is undesirable, a strong blood thinning is dangerous.
Drug Comparison
Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid, which is better? It is impossible to find a definite answer to this question. In essence, these drugs differ only in the form of release and dosage of the main active substance.
The drugs are identical in composition, the indication for the use of Aspirin and acetylsalicylic acid is the same thing, which makes the drugs interchangeable. The main difference between the drugs is the price, which depends on the manufacturer, the dosage of acid in the tablet and the form of release. Acetylsalicylic acid, as a rule, is sold somewhat cheaper than the similar Aspirin.
If a person finds intolerance to the components of Aspirin, then taking acetylsalicylic acid is also contraindicated for him. However, modern pharmacology has a wide range of analogues, which in their properties can replace the action of salicylic acid.
Analogs of "Aspirin" and acetylsalicylic acid:
- Citramon
- "Paracetamol".
- "Egithromb" (greatly superior to other analogues in cost).
- Movalis (similar in price to Egithromb).
On average, the price of Aspirin varies from 70 rubles to 500 rubles.
Drug overdose
In the history of clinical observations, cases of overdose are known that are caused by exceeding the recommended dose or unreasonably prolonging the course of treatment. The effect of an excess of Aspirin and acetylsalicylic acid is the same, accompanied by a number of unpleasant side effects.
Signs of an overdose:
- A person has a constant tinnitus.
- A sudden drop in blood pressure occurs.
- A rapid heartbeat appears.
- Attacks of nausea and vomiting.
- Undesirable bleeding.
- Increased feeling of tiredness and drowsiness.
- Visual impairment or hallucinations.
- Loss of coordination and confusion.
- Signs of fever, intense thirst.
Such manifestations require immediate medical attention. The patient needs to rinse the stomach, apply a sorbent, which will eliminate the absorption of Aspirin residues. It is important to drink water in large quantities, juice or milk is also suitable. If dehydration has reached a critical point, then fluid replenishment is carried out intravenously.
In some cases, the introduction of vitamin K is required, which will reduce the risk of unwanted bleeding.
Interesting additions
Experts recommend adhering to some rules that will protect the body as much as possible, without reducing the effectiveness of the drug:
- If the tablet is previously crushed, then its action will accelerate.
- It is important to protect the gastric mucosa from the action of acetylsalicylic acid. The tablet is taken only after meals.
- Remember to increase bleeding, which limits the use of "Aspirin" before surgery, even before a visit to the dentist. The drug is excluded from use a week before surgery.
- The drug greatly reduces the excretion of uric acid, which is also important to consider with individual health features.
Proper compliance with the doctor’s recommendations will allow you to avoid unwanted processes in the body, without reducing the overall effectiveness of drug therapy.