The active substance in aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, synthesized at the end of the XI X century. At first it was a powder, in tablet form, the drug began to be released later. In addition to acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin tablets contain auxiliary substances - starch and cellulose.
This medicine has been successfully used for many decades for various pains - dental, joint, headaches. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties were discovered later - initially the drug was used as an antipyretic. Until fever, doctors, especially practitioners for many years, often prescribe aspirin. Contraindications to its use, however, are quite serious, therefore, in recent years, experts are increasingly recommending in these situations to replace this drug with another, safer antipyretic agent.
This is especially true for diseases accompanied by fever in young children. This is due to the possibility of developing the so-called Reye's (Reye's) syndrome - a life-threatening condition in which fatty liver develops and cerebral edema occurs. Infant mortality from Reye's syndrome is 20-30% of the total number of cases. It is observed in children under 12 years of age and is associated with the administration of acetylsalicylic acid against the background of an acute viral disease (influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, chickenpox, measles). Since far from all parents can distinguish a bacterial infection from a viral infection, it is by no means necessary to give aspirin to small children on their own, without the recommendation of a doctor, to lower the temperature. To eliminate febrile states in childhood, ibuprofen and paracetamol are preferred. Adults, in this case, can take 1-3 tablets of aspirin per day (100-300 mg), as directed by a doctor.
Aspirin, the contraindications to the use of which cannot be ignored, is traditionally used in the treatment of rheumatism - it was during the search for an effective cure for this disease that it was discovered. The use of aspirin for rheumatism can significantly alleviate the condition of the patient, however, the drug only makes the symptoms of the disease less pronounced, but does not cure it. The daily dose of the drug in each case is selected individually. Usually it is 2-3 g per day for adults, and for children it is calculated based on the age and weight of the patient. Aspirin treatment for rheumatism may last several months.
Taking aspirin, you should remember the ability of this drug to "thin" the blood, that is, prevent its coagulation. For this reason, its reception must be stopped a week before the upcoming operations of any complexity - even if it is only about tooth extraction. Aspirin, the side effects of which have been well studied, are not prescribed for pregnant women in the first trimester, since the terratogenic effect of acetylsalicylic acid on the fetus has been established. Throughout the rest of pregnancy, especially shortly before childbirth, it is used with great caution due to the risk of bleeding in the mother and newborn.
The maximum safe daily dose of aspirin for adults is 4 g. If it is exceeded, an overdose can occur. Aspirin should not be treated simultaneously with many drugs, in particular, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, since it can enhance their side effects. When taken in parallel with glucocorticosteroid drugs, the risk of gastric bleeding increases. Aspirin, the contraindications to which are quite extensive, are not used simultaneously with anti-gout and antihypertensive drugs. It is contraindicated in peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum. Aspirin is prescribed with caution to allergic patients, especially if they have previously had an allergy to drugs, in particular, the penicillin group. Take the drug after meals with milk or plenty of water.
Thus, aspirin, the contraindications to the use of which should not be ignored, can bring a tangible therapeutic effect, however, with unauthorized, uncontrolled intake, it can pose a serious health hazard. Therefore, it should not be used without the recommendation of a doctor.