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Drug: Aspirin
What is Aspirin?
Acetylsalicylic acid, commonly referred to as aspirin, is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) known for its pain relief, immune repression and fever downregulation attributes. Its origins can be traced back to the bark of willow tree which has been used for centuries to ease pain and reduce fever.
How Does Aspirin Work?
The action mechanism of aspirin entails inhibition of enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), resulting in decrease in production of prostaglandins and thromboxanes. Prostaglandins are responsible for pain inflammation and fever while thromboxanes play an important role in formation of blood clots. By lowering these factors, aspirin effectively reduces pain, inflammation and prevents clotting.
Key Uses and Health Benefits of Aspirin
s:
- Pain Relief: Effective for treatment of mild to moderate pains caused by headaches, menstrual cramps, toothaches, muscle aches or having colds like symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory: It helps decrease inflammation and relieves discomfort that accompanies diseases such as arthritis.
- Aid Heart Conditions: Preventive measure against heart attack or stroke with low dose Aspirin recommended for specific cases where blood clots need to be avoided.
- Fever Reduction: Good for lowering high temperatures and controlling febrile episodes.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While using it as directed is safe for most people, some individuals may experience side effects from aspirin. The common side effects of this drug are:
- Gastric pain
- Pyrosis
- Vomiting
- Blood clotting tendency may increase
Rare severe ones include gastrointestinal bleeding, allergic reactions or Reye’s syndrome in children with viral infections. Therefore, it is necessary to seek the advice of a medical professional before commencing treatment with aspirin especially if one is suffering from given health conditions or is on other medication.