Aspirin

Aspirin is a helpful over the counter drug, which is used for various aliments. It can be classified as a minor analgesic (painkiller), as well as being an anti-platelet agent. It can also reduce fever. Many people use this drug, but know little about it. It is a drug, and can have some nasty side effects, even when used correctly. However, for those who can tolerate it, it is a good idea to understand the appropriate way to take it, and what condition/s it works best for.


What is it used for? / And how does it work?

Aspirin is extremely useful for headaches and pain related to inflammation. This is because it reduces the body's ability to produce the hormone prostaglandin. Prostaglandin increases the body's inflammation processes, therefore it helps for conditions such as arthritis and musculo-skeletal disorders. It lowers temperatures by acting on the brain's heat regulating centre called the hypothalamus. It 'thins the blood' by reducing the effectiveness of blood-clotting agents called platelets, for this reason it is often used for those at risk of stroke.


In what form does it come in?

Aspirin can come in the form of dissolvable tablets, undissolvable tablets, chewable tablets, suppository's (yes, up into your rectum!) and in mixed forms; such as aspirin and codeine. You have to be careful when taking aspirin, as with any drug, but because it comes in some many different forms as well as different brands it can be easy to take too much. Please check the ingredients of any other drug you may be taking so that you don't double up on doses.


What are the correct doses?

If you are taking it for pain or fever, the correct doses are between 300mg (usually one tablet) and up to 900mgs every 4-6 hours. The maximum dose divided should not exceed 4 grams daily. The amount you take will depend on the response of the drug. However, do not exceed the maximum dose (900mg in 4 hours). For antiplatelet aggregation 75-300mg daily (if you don't know what this means, you probably don't need to know).


Side effects / reactions

Because aspirin affects your body's ability to form blood clots (blood clots stop bleeding), if you cut yourself, you may bleed a little longer. This should not be a problem unless you are taking aspirin every day, or you are very drunk when you cut yourself. If you find after a superficial cut you keep bleeding, just apply something cool against it, and keep pressure on it, it will eventually stop bleeding. If you have cut yourself deeply and the bleeding will not stop (especially if you have been drinking with aspirin) see your doctor immediately.

Aspirin is quite abrasive to the stomach; some people are actually intolerant of aspirin, as it can cause stomach pains, heartburn and vomiting. If this happens, speak to your doctor about alternative options.
If you have, or suspect you have a stomach ulcer, do not use aspirin, as it will only make it worse.

If you are an asthmatic, avoid taking aspirin as it can trigger a nasty asthmatic attack.

Avoid taking aspirin for a hangover, as it does not mix well with alcohol. Because aspirin is abrasive to the stomach and so is alcohol, the two don't mix well. If you must take something, paracetamol is probably a safer option.


Precautions
Do not take aspirin, or speak to your doctor before taking it if you have any of the following:

Stomach ulcer

If you are pregnant

If you are a asthmatic

If you have had any problems with your liver or kidneys

Aspirin reacts with quite a few drugs, and because it is so easy to acquire, check with your doctor or pharmacist whether it is safe to take with any other medication that you may take regularly. Don't be scared of this drug, as it is very useful; just be aware of the correct way to take it (as with any drug).


- Louise Ganey