Acetylsalicylic Acid – What is it for, how to use it and side effects
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, carried out in Brazil, supported by FAPESP and Biolab Farmacêutica, proved that a dose of Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) every three days in at-risk patients can be as effective in preventing infarction , stroke and peripheral vascular disease, as well as consuming the drug daily, further reducing the risk of complications in the gastrointestinal system.
What Acetylsalicylic Acid Is Used For: Acetylsalicylic acid is indicated as:
- analgesic and antipyretic in cases of headache, neuralgia, postoperative, sprains, strains and bruises, menstrual cramps, toothaches, colds and various febrile states;
- Anti-inflammatory in rheumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, among other inflammations;
- Anti-platelet aggregation, making the blood thinner.
How to Use Acetylsalicylic Acid: How to use Acetylsalicylic Acid can be:
500 mg tablets:
- Adults: 1 to 2 tablets of 500 mg every 4 to 8 hours, not to exceed 8 tablets of 500 mg per day.
- From 12 years: 1 tablet of 500 mg, if necessary up to 3 times a day every 4 to 8 hours.
100mg tablets:
Children from 6 months to 1 year: 1/2 to 1 tablet of 100 mg;
- 1 to 3 years: 1 tablet of 100 mg;
- 4 to 6 years: 2 tablets of 100 mg;
- 7 to 9 years: 3 tablets of 100 mg;
- Over 9 years: 4 tablets of 100 mg.
The doctor’s instructions must be followed, however, the dose can usually be repeated up to 3 times a day every 4 to 8 hours and should preferably be taken after meals .
Acetylsalicylic Acid Side Effects: Acetylsalicylic acid side effectsinclude:
- nausea ,
- Abdominal and gastrointestinal pain,
- Indigestion,
- Redness and itching of the skin,
- swelling ,
- rhinitis,
- Nasal congestion,
- Dizziness,
- Prolonged bleeding time,
- Bruising and bleeding from the nose,
- Gums or intimate region.
Acetylsalicylic Acid Contraindications: Acetylsalicylic acid is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Acetylsalicylic Acid , to salicylates or to another component of the drug, in patients with a tendency to bleed , asthma attack induced by the administration of salicylates or other similar substances, ulcers of the stomach or intestine, severe kidney failure, severe liver failure, severe heart failure, during treatment with methotrexate at doses of 15 mg or more per week and in the last trimester of pregnancy.
It is necessary to consult a doctor before using Acetylsalicylic Acid in case of pregnancy or suspected pregnancy, hypersensitivity to analgesics , anti-inflammatory or anti-rheumatic drugs, history of ulcers in the stomach or intestine, history of gastrointestinal bleeding , kidney, heart or liver problems , respiratory diseases such as asthma and if you are taking anticoagulants.
Acetylsalicylic Acid Interactions: Salicylates displace their protein binding to sulfolinurea, penicillin, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, phenytoin and naproxen, potentiating their effects. Salicylates potentiate the effect of oral anticoagulants and probenecid. Prolonged and simultaneous use of paracetamol is not recommended, as it increases the risk of nephropathy. Urinary acidifiers (ascorbic acid, sodium or potassium phosphate, ammonium chloride) lead to higher plasma concentrations of salicylate, by decreasing its excretion.
Glucocorticoids increase salicylate excretion and therefore the dose should be adequate. Simultaneous use with other analgesics and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of bleeding due to the additional inhibition of platelet aggregation.
Food Interactions: Concomitant ingestion of alcohol may increase gastrointestinal bleeding due to irritation by Acetylsalicylic Acid . Alcohol may also potentiate the increase in bleeding time induced by Acetylsalicylic Acid .
Acetylsalicylic Acid Super Dosage: If someone takes too large a dose of Acetylsalicylic Acid , unwanted effects such as dizziness and tinnitus may occur, especially in children and the elderly. These symptoms may indicate severe poisoning. In case of overdose, contact your doctor, who will decide on the necessary measures according to the severity of the intoxication. If possible, take the packaging with the pills.
Average Price of Acetylsalicylic Acid: The price of Acetylsalicylic Acid varies from 1 to 45 reais depending on the quantity of pills in each package and the responsible laboratory.
Trade Names of Acetylsalicylic Acid: Acetylsalicylic acid is a drug that is produced by several laboratories such as EMS, Hipermarcas or Bayer, for example, and can be marketed under the names Bufferin, Somalgin, AAS with children’s version, Alidor, Tromalyt or Melhoral.