The title of this article is a question that is very familiar to all of us and you can often see it in the frequently asked question page in any medical site you visit (not only this one, I really saw at least one more ;)). We should be aware that taking drugs without a genuine reason can cause harm to our bodies. Aspirin is not an exemption. However, Aspirin has some interesting properties, which can save our life in emergencies. Yes, it is a life-saving drug if we use it in a wise way. This article highlights the history and the important applications of Aspirin.
History of Aspirin
In the history of medications, there would not be many drugs like Aspirin, which started in the world as an analgesic (painkiller) and later became doctors’ favorite prescription for controlling cardiovascular diseases. Even before centuries, our ancestors used a basic form of this drug. They derived it from the bark of willow trees.
Hundred years ago, Dr.Felix Hoffman and his team succeeded in synthesizing this miracle drug from its basic form. They had carried out this research program under Bayer, a well-known pharmaceutical company.
Aspirin is the brand name of Bayer and its biologically active substance is acetylsalicylic acid. Aspirin became popular in the 20th century as an analgesic and antipyretic (fever reducer). After the invention of paracetamol, which is comparatively safer than Aspirin, the popularity of Aspirin diminished as an analgesic and antipyretic drug. Soon clinical trials of Aspirin proved that it has a blood-thinning property. These studies gave aspirin a rebirth in the form of an anticoagulant (reduce clotting) which can do miracles in emergencies like stroke or heart attack. Aspirin gradually regained its popularity and topped in the table of emergency and life-saving medicines.
Mechanism of action
Aspirin acts in different ways:
It stops the production of prostaglandin and thromboxane, which are the vital factors of inflammatory reactions. (Inflammatory reactions are the response of our body to external or internal harmful actions by pathogens, injuries, or any other disorders. The inflammatory reactions include redness, pain, fever, mucous formation, etc)
It reduces blood density
It prevents blood clotting in the blood vessels and prevents existing blocks from further development
Adverse effects
Prolonged Aspirin usage increases the bleeding time and may result in heavy bleeding from minor injuries leading to coma or death. The other adverse effects related to frequent high doses of Aspirin usage are as follows:
Restlessness
Tinnitus (abnormal sound in the ear)
Deafness
Blurring of vision
Hyperpnoea (increased breath rate)
Hyperpyrexia (increased body temperature)
Sweating
Epigastric pain
Vomiting
Dehydration
Respiratory and metabolic acidosis
Disorientation
Coma
Cardiovascular collapse
In most countries, Aspirin is not prescribed as a drug to reduce pain or anti-inflammatory reactions.
Unlike paracetamol, it is not safe to take Aspirin for minor pain or inflammation. Daily intake of Aspirin without a doctor’s prescription can cause dangerous ill effects. (Frequent use of paracetamol also causes dangerous side effects.)
Benefits
It does not mean that Aspirin is full of adverse effects. Actually, there are not many medicines, which can act like Aspirin when we take it for a good reason. Though there are a number of its benefits, the main applications are as follows:
Administering Aspirin can be life-saving for a person who is undergoing a stroke or heart attack
It prevents the re-occurrence of stroke and heart attack
It prevents arterial sclerosis (administered only to those who are at risk)
It prevents the formation of blood clots
If you are considering taking Aspirin, consult it with your doctor and take it as per his order. Self-treatment can cause serious, undesirable effects.
