Acetylsalicylic acid

Acetylsalicylic acid (formula C9H8O4) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The drug has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

Acetylsalicylic acid is used in febrile syndrome, with infectious inflammation, pain syndrome (headache and toothache, migraine, neuralgia, thoracic root syndrome, lumbago, muscle and menstrual pains).

For the purpose of a minimal irritating action on the GIT, the drug should be taken after eating and washed down with plain water, an alkaline mineral or milk. Acetylsalicylic acid (composition: 500 mg of the same-name active substance in one tablet) has a certain dosage. So, for moderate to low intensity pain and fever, a single dose for an adult is 250 to 500 mg. If necessary, the drug is taken up to four times a day, but the time interval between such methods should be at least four hours. 3000 mg is the maximum daily dose. This drug should not take more than five days as an anesthetic and more than three - antipyretic. Before taking it, consult a doctor.

Note that before surgery, you should cancel the intake of acetylsalicylic acid for 5-7 days. Such measures will reduce bleeding during and after the operation. With prolonged therapy, it is advised to perform a regular blood test and study feces for so-called occult blood. Acetylsalicylic acid, as a rule, is not used to relieve febrile syndrome in adolescents and children.

Before taking the drug should explore the issues of its interaction with other medicines. Acetylsalicylic acid increases the toxicity and effects of the following medicines: methotrexate, narcotic analgesics, oral antidiabetic medications, hypoglycemic agents, heparin, indirect anticoagulants, thrombolytic agents, corticosteroids. It reduces the effect of antihypertensive drugs, inhibits the action of furosemide, spironolactone, uricosuric agents.

Acetaminophen, antihistamines, caffeine can increase the risk of side effects, which will be discussed later.

In some cases, acetylsalicylic acid causes various allergic reactions. In addition, angioedema, hives, exanthema, bronchospasm may occur. In people with hypersensitivity to the drug, anaphylactic shock can occur , in people with bronchial asthma - an increase in seizures and their intensification.

The hapten mechanism of bronchial asthma, as well as eosinophilic rhinitis, recurrent nasal polyposis, hyperplastic sinusitis can develop. In the case of prolonged use of the drug, ototoxic, nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects may occur.

To avoid the occurrence of adverse reactions it is important to know about contraindications. The drug can not be taken with hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid, erosive and ulcerative gastrointestinal lesions, gastrointestinal bleeding, "aspirin triad", hemorrhagic diathesis, exfoliating aortic aneurysm, portal hypertension, vitamin K deficiency, hepatic or renal insufficiency, pregnancy, lactation, childhood .

An overdose of acetylsalicylic acid is possible with a single use of too high doses or with too long use. When an overdose is required, immediate hospitalization with further washing of the stomach.

Attention! This manual is intended for reference only. Before use, consult a physician.