Daily aspirin: benefits and risks. Aspirin - benefits and harms to the human body

Aspirin is famous medical preparation, which is found in almost every first aid kit, it is used as an antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory agent. It seems to many that a small white pill is practically a panacea for all painful and unpleasant symptoms, a headache - aspirin will help, a fever - aspirin will help, many people drink aspirin when their stomach hurts, their throat hurts, when they have the flu or SARS.

Of course, aspirin is a useful medical drug that can solve many health problems. However, like any other pharmaceutical agent, this medicine has a number of contraindications for use. In short, in some cases, aspirin is harmful to the body.

What is aspirin and what are its benefits?

Aspirin is a derivative of salicylic acid in which one hydroxyl group was replaced by acetyl, so acetyl was obtained. salicylic acid. The name of the drug comes from Latin name meadowsweet plants (Spiraea), it was from this plant material that salicylic acid was first extracted.

By adding the letter “a” to the beginning of the word, meaning acetyl, the developer of the drug, F. Hoffman (an employee of the German company Bayer), received aspirin, which became very popular almost immediately after entering the pharmacy shelves.

The benefits of aspirin for the body are manifested in its ability block the production of prostaglandins(hormones that are involved in inflammation processes, cause platelet fusion and increase body temperature), thereby minimizing inflammation, lowering body temperature and reducing the process of platelet aggregation.

Since the main cause of many heart diseases is precisely the fact that lumps (blood clots) form in it from platelets, aspirin was immediately proclaimed the No. 1 drug for hearts. Many people began to take aspirin just like that, without indications, so that platelets in the blood would not form lumps and blood clots.

However, the action of aspirin is not harmless, affecting the ability of platelets to stick together, acetylsalicylic acid suppresses the functions of these blood cells, sometimes causing irreversible processes. As it turned out as a result of research, aspirin is useful only for those individuals who are in the so-called “high risk” group, for “low risk” groups of people, aspirin turned out to be not only ineffective prevention, but in some cases, harmful. That is, for healthy or practically healthy people aspirin is not only not useful, but also harmful, because it tends to cry out internal bleeding. Acetylsalicylic acid makes blood vessels more permeable and reduces the ability of blood to clot.

Latin name: Aspirin®
ATX code: N02BA01
Active substance: acetylsalicylicum acidum
Manufacturer: Bitterfeld (Germany),
Chemist Pharmaceutics (Spain),
Nizhpharm (Russia), Perrigo (USA)
Pharmacy leave condition: Without recipe

Most people with pain, colds, fever try to use multicomponent preparations. At the same time, they forget about such an effective and effective means like aspirin tablets. Usually pharmaceutical innovative formulations are not cheap, compared with them, conventional acetylsalicylic acid is a budget option. It is great for chills and helps with colds, so there is no need to take antiviral tea bags. It is prescribed for children, but there are a number of diseases when the remedy cannot be taken.

Indications

The drug Aspirin belongs to the group of symptomatic drugs that are prescribed for pathologies and conditions accompanied by pain and fever:

• Inflammatory process in the joints and cartilage
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Cold
• Toothache, headache, muscle pain
• Flu
• Respiratory diseases
• Thrombophlebitis
• Circulatory disorders
• Ischemia.

Compound

The manufacturer produces several forms of the drug, and almost all varieties of Aspirin are combined. The usual drug is a tablet, the active ingredient of which is salicylic ester acetic acid in a volume of 500 mg. Additionally, starch and cellulose are used as fillers.

Pharmaceutical Properties

The tool belongs to non-narcotic analgesics mild action. It can be found in almost every home first aid kit, medication have a reputation safe medicine. The history of Aspirin has more than 150 years. Initially, it was found that willow bark contains salicyl, which is an excellent pain reliever. It is a finely crystalline yellowish substance with a bitter aftertaste. Subsequently, Italian scientists obtained this substance by synthesizing, but in an unpurified form. They separated the element into sugar and aldehyde, after which salicylic acid was obtained by hydrolysis and oxidation.

But the problem was that the resulting composition had a negative effect on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, pharmacists tried several times to improve the formula in order to obtain a safer compound by buffering. The French scientist C.F. Gerhadt in the middle of the 19th century neutralized the acid with sodium and acetyl chloride. But the project was suspended for 40 years, and then the German concern Bayer reopened the formula, and the drug was intended for arthritis. Registered him as Aspirin Jr. full description already in 1900. But the medicine was sold only in the form of a powder. The tablet form was created after 4 years.

It was at this time that the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of the drug were discovered. And only after 80 years it was found that the regular use of Aspirin orally can reduce the symptoms of unstable angina, which lead to myocardial infarction. As a result, the risk and quantity deaths have been significantly reduced.

As a result of repeated studies and chemical reactions, it was recognized that the agent alleviates the condition at a temperature, relieves pain syndrome and eliminates inflammation. It belongs to the group nonsteroidal drugs, as it is able to act similarly to Diclofenac and Ibuprofen. The active substance inhibits the production of cyclooxygenase compounds, interferes with the metabolism of arachidic acid and prevents the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes.

By inhibiting the production of adenosine triphosphates, the element reduces hyperemia, reduces the release of exudate, increases the permeability of capillary walls, and blocks the activity of hyaluronidase. Thus, it creates conditions that limit inflammatory process. In addition, acetylsalicylic acid acts on neurons, controlling the functions of thermoregulation and sensitivity. The decrease in temperature occurs as a result of increased sweating and vasodilation.

It is believed that the main factor causing pain, bradykinin acts. This is a peptide that is part of the amino acids and belongs to the kinin protein group. It is a plasma dibenzoxyziline irritant of complex action, which at a concentration of 2 mg provides discomfort, and at 20 mg already causes unbearable pain. Aspirin, even at a low dosage, can reduce the activity of bradykinin and alleviate the patient's condition.

By reducing the production of thromboxane, aggregation is suppressed, so the vessels are able to expand. The effect persists for a week after taking the drug. The agent increases the fibrinolytic properties of plasma and normalizes blood clotting. Due to these qualities, the drug is actively used to treat strokes, ischemia and heart attacks. With thrombophlebitis and damage to the walls of the arteries, as well as after surgery on the veins, the remedy must be drunk for life.

Also, recent studies have shown that the drug helps with hypertension, as it regulates arterial pressure. Its action is aimed at the prevention of diabetes. Oncological diseases. But it should be taken into account that the excess daily dose Aspirin can also rupture and damage blood vessels, leading to stomach bleeding.

With any intoxication, and especially alcohol, the properties of the blood change. It becomes more viscous, so acetylsalicylic acid is great for overcoming a hangover. It prevents the formation of clots and blood clots, relieves swelling and intracranial pressure. Thanks to her, the ache in the joints goes away and headache. But it is better to take pills in combination with other means. Also, don't forget about recovery. water balance. Important point is that ordinary black tea and Aspirin are incompatible, so you should drink plain, slightly acidified water.

As for the appointment of children, the drug is contraindicated up to 15 years. This is associated with the risk of acute hepatic encephalopathy, the etiology of which is not fully understood. One of the versions is a side effect against the background of the use of acetylsalicylic acid for the treatment of fever of viral origin. There is an American form - children's Aspirin, but such a medication does not enter the domestic market. Therefore, babies with chills and colds it is better to drink tea with honey or raspberries, if it is not contraindicated due to allergies.

It is important to cancel the value and benefits of the drug in cosmetology. For treatment acne, acne, comedones and pimples, it is recommended to use not only orally, but also externally. The composition is useful for skin prone to redness, increased excretion fat. It is great for dysfunction. sebaceous glands and tightens fading integuments. Basically, salicylates are used as part of peeling masks. They interact well with familiar products- cottage cheese, honey, herbs. But you need to know that such masks and scrubs are not suitable for a dry type of epidermis.

Cosmetologists also advise using medicine to eliminate corns. In conjunction with lemon juice acid quickly reduces callus tissue, while removing pain and inflammation. Also, tablets are often taken with them to the pool. Water containing a high concentration of chlorine is bad for hair and skin.

Salicylate helps soften harmful effect and protect against infection. If bitten by a wasp or mosquito, you can eliminate swelling and pain with regular Aspirin. If the drug is not at hand, willow bark is useful - a precursor active substance. A decoction is made from it and applied to the affected area. In addition, it can be taken as a medicinal tea.

Pharmacokinetics

The drug must be taken orally, washed down with an enveloping liquid. It is rapidly absorbed, absorbed into upper divisions intestines. During absorption, it undergoes a process of natural excretion through the walls of the organ, deacytylation occurs in the liver. Since hydrolysis is carried out with the participation of esterases, the evacuation period lasts no more than half an hour.

In the bloodstream, the main active substance binds 85% to albumin. It is distributed in tissues and liquids in the form of anionic acid. The maximum concentration is reached 120 minutes after ingestion. During reactions in the liver, metabolites are formed that are necessary for the functioning of all systems. Excretion is carried out through the kidneys. The duration depends on the pH. With an alkaline cycle, the interval increases, reabsorption worsens.

Release form

Cost: tab Aspirin 500 mg No. 10 - 30-40 rubles. No. 20 - 50-60 rubles.

The manufacturer offers the product only in tablet form. In other forms, for example, as a solution in ampoules, it is made in combination with other drugs (Analgin). Usually, the medication is packaged in plastic jars or aluminum strips of 5 pieces. The composition is odorless, but has a sour taste. The tablets are white, round, the company logo is embossed on both sides. The box is white-green, it includes a bottle or blister of Aspirin 500 mg, instructions for use. There is also a pack that contains two plates. Due to the peculiarity of the acid to act on the mucous membrane, the drug is not available in the form of a syrup.

Application methods

Before starting treatment with a medication, you need to check with your doctor if Aspirin is taken before or after meals. Due to the fact that the acid has a negative effect on the gastric mucosa, oral intake should be carried out only half an hour after breakfast or dinner. The dosage is from 300 to 1000 mg at a time, but not more than 4,000 mg per day. The course of treatment is 5 days, it can be extended only as directed by a doctor. Wash down the composition with milk or jelly, tea in this case is not suitable.

Use in pregnancy

The drug is contraindicated in the first and last trimester and during lactation. In some cases, the doctor considers the appointment of a medication appropriate, but constantly monitors the condition future mother and fetus.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that the drug has been recognized as relatively safe, there are pathologies and conditions in which it cannot be taken:

• Aspirin triad
• Allergy to any nonsteroidal drugs
• Insufficiency of the enzymatic cytosolic process
• Severe kidney damage
• Chronic pathologies of the digestive system
• Erosive and ulcerative manifestations on mucous membranes
• Diabetes
• Gout
• Children under 15 years old.

Combinations with other drugs

The drug can both enhance the effects of various medicines, and lose its properties when interacting:

• Strictly prohibited simultaneous reception with anticoagulants
• Non-steroidal compounds, sulfonamides, analgesics, thrombolytics increase the effect
• Diuretics, antihypertensive drugs lose their properties
• Barbiturates increase concentration.

If you take the composition at the same time as alcoholic drinks, the detrimental effect on the gastric mucosa increases many times over.

Side effects

In most cases, the drug is well tolerated, but may cause negative reactions if contraindications were not taken into account. It's an attack bronchial asthma, allergic manifestations on the skin. In addition, some patients developed stomach bleeding accompanied by anemia general weakness, pain in the abdomen and specific diarrhea. Dysbacteriosis of the oral mucosa and impaired zinc and copper metabolism were also observed.

Overdose

If the recommended amount of 4,000 mg is exceeded, intoxication occurs. AT medium degree it is expressed in nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach. There is rapid breathing and increased sweating. First aid is to wash the stomach with activated charcoal.

Severe overdose is accompanied by acidosis, hypoglycemia, respiratory failure. In such cases, the patient must be urgently hospitalized. He is delivered to the intensive care unit, where they carry out symptomatic therapy, measures to stabilize the condition. If necessary, begin hemodialysis.

Storage rules

The pharmaceutical product can be used for 5 years. It must be protected from light and moisture, do not give access to children.

Analogues

There are a number of drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid. This group includes the most famous compositions:

Aspicor

Producer: Verteks (Russia)

Price: tab. 100 mg No. 30 - 60-70 rubles.

The drug is a tablet medicine, highly soluble in water, made according to a special formula. It contains acetylsalicylic acid and additional components for shell formation: lactose, starch, cellulose, flavors, preservatives and dyes. It has a sweet and sour taste, but no smell. When immersed in water, it instantly dissolves with a hissing sound. Tablets are round, packed in double-sided blisters with a transparent surface. The pack contains two records and annotation.

Aspicor is intended for the treatment of lumbago, neuralgia, arthralgia. By blocking the activation of cyclooxygenases and inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, the main element eliminates inflammation, removes swelling, relieves pain. He is also able to call excessive sweating and vasodilation, which helps lower the temperature. The dosage is 0.5-3 g, divided into three doses. The amount depends on the condition and age of the patient. The duration of the course should not exceed two weeks.

Advantages:

• The drug dissolves well in water
• Acceptable price.

Flaws:

• Not allowed for children under 15 years of age
• May appear adverse reactions.

Manufacturer: AKO Sintez (Russia)

Price: tab. 100 mg No. 30 - 20-25 rubles.

The composition of this medicine also includes acetylsalicylic acid. The difference is that the manufacturer makes it in a shell with castor oil. This helps to protect the gastric mucosa from the negative effects of the active element. Due to these properties, the process of dissolution and absorption occurs already in the intestine. Tablets are white, round, odorless, slightly bitter in taste. They are put in 10 pieces in blisters. The pack includes 3 plates and instructions. A medication is prescribed for inflammatory processes that accompany thrombosis, in order to prevent recurrent heart attacks, to prevent pulmonary embolism. It is also effective for elevated level cholesterol and helps to normalize blood clotting in the elderly.

In high dosages, the composition is able to relieve pain, remove inflammation, lower the temperature. Contraindicated in heart failure, severe kidney pathologies, aspirin triad. The use of the drug is canceled 2 weeks before the start of the operation in order to prevent bleeding.

Advantages:

• Low price
• Helps after surgical interventions on the vascular walls.

Flaws:

• Cannot be combined with anticoagulants
• It is forbidden to appoint pregnant women and children.

Aspirin is an antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Even a person who is very far from medicine knows that it is not only fast, but also has a pronounced effect. Why is this happening? The fact is that acetylsalicylic acid has a depressing effect on the areas of the brain that are “responsible” for thermoregulation and pain sensitivity.

In addition, acetylsalicylic acid inhibits the activity of certain enzymes - cyclooxygenases, which are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins (inflammatory mediators). As a result, inflammatory processes begin to proceed less actively, and eventually fade completely.

This is very important in cases where the inflammatory process in the body can lead to serious consequences such as rheumatism.

Therefore, aspirin is very useful in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, as well as diseases that cause high temperature and pain syndrome of low or moderate intensity. In addition, it is cheap and available to almost any buyer. All this combined has made aspirin an exceptionally popular drug.

Finally, acetylsalicylic acid, reducing the likelihood of "gluing". So aspirin plays important role in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes.

The same people who have suffered heart attacks and strokes are prescribed acetylsalicylic acid without fail to prevent the recurrence of these diseases (of course, in the absence of contraindications).

What are the contraindications for aspirin

As already mentioned, acetylsalicylic acid inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes. However, one of these enzymes contributes to normal functioning. Accordingly, its blocking can lead to the development of an ulcer. Therefore, aspirin is not prescribed to patients with stomach diseases.

Acetylsalicylic acid is strictly contraindicated in patients with reduced blood clotting. It should also be used with great care

If we are talking about a drug like aspirin, then everyone can confirm it effective action. Scientifically, it is acetylsalicylic acid, which is used as an analgesic and antipyretic.

Thanks to its action for many decades, Aspirin has been the "Gold Standard". So the popularity in its use is growing more and more, despite the inventions of new "brothers", he still occupies a leading position.

For what symptoms and diseases is it taken:

• Probably, no one will argue with this that one of aspirin is its antipyretic effect.
• It is also taken for dental, muscle, headaches and other pains. But only if the pain is not critically exile.
• AT large doses he is able to take severe pain with injuries and even arthritis and other inflammatory diseases joints.
• Used for prevention cardiovascular disease.
• It is also accepted not only as a separate medicine but also combined with other medications.
• Often prescribed for gynecological diseases and even if not carrying a fetus during pregnancy
• There is also evidence positive influence aspirin on the development of cataracts, infarction and thrombosis. Studies have shown that it inhibits the function of platelets and prevents them from sticking together.
• By latest discoveries Aspirin's actions on the body opened up a new level of its effects, such as preventing cancer of the rectum, mammary glands, lungs and prostate gland.

But in no case should you self-medicate. Only the attending physician can prescribe it in the right doses, otherwise it can harm the body.

How to take aspirin

None, including aspirin, should not be taken own will. Aspirin should be accompanied by instructions that detail the steps for its use. After all, the rules of use have been made by various studies. And only in this way can desired result from this medicinal product.

How to use Aspirin:

• The first step is to consult a doctor to make sure that it is he who is needed for a particular disease.
• Only a doctor can prescribe the dosage of the drug. In the opposite, the body may receive more dose than it needs and will have to be treated for an overdose.
• For an adult (with fever and pain), a person should not take more than 4 aspirin tablets per day, and for children under one year old - 1 tablet, 2-4 years old - 2 tablets.
• A single dose (for fever and pain) for an infant up to a year becomes 0.25 tablets, from 2 to 4 years - 0.5 tablets, for an adult 1 tablet.
• The interval between doses of Aspirin should be more than 4 hours.
• Aspirin should not be taken with drinks that contain caffeine: tea, coffee, Coca-Cola, etc.
• The best way to protect the stomach is Aspirin or mineral water.

Aspirin is taken orally.

Steps for using Aspirin:

1. It should be borne in mind that acetylsalicylic acid tends to irritate the gastric mucosa. Therefore, Aspirin should not be taken on an empty stomach - only after a meal.
2. To reach best result a tablet (capsule) of Aspirin should be washed down with at least 1 glass of water so that it dissolves faster and begins to act.

For children, an Aspirin tablet can be pre-crushed and mixed with water and also washed down with plenty of water.

Side effects of aspirin

There is not a single drug that is "perfect" and has no side effects, and Aspirin is also included in their composition.

Side effects with high doses of aspirin:

• Aspirin can lead to development if you do not follow the rules of admission. Especially this risk falls on those people who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Also, in high doses, aspirin can affect nervous system. There may be such adverse reactions as ringing in the check, dizziness, hearing loss. But if the dose is reduced, the side effects will disappear.
• May cause hepatitis.
• Negatively affects the cardiovascular system.
• In no case should people with blood diseases and pregnant women in the third trimester be taken.
• Choking and shock may occur in people with asthma and nasal polyposis.

More information about Aspirin can be found in the video.

Helped us:

Natalya Grishina. Gastroenterologist medical center"Triactive";
PhD

Vladimir Radionenko. Vascular surgeon at Triaktiv Medical Center; doctor of the highest category

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) - this is the name of the active substance aspirin - has been used in medicine for more than a century as a remedy for fever, pain and inflammation. Others of her magical properties became known relatively recently. For example, ASA thins the blood and prevents thrombosis - these functions have been used by doctors for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases since the 80s of the last century. Some of the virtues of our heroine are on the verge of discovery. But! All this does not mean that you need to urgently run to the pharmacy and buy up all the stocks of medicine.

Contraindications

• citizens with a stomach ulcer, blood clotting disorders, allergies;
• pregnant and lactating women;
• children under 12;
• together with agents from the group of anticoagulants.

Painkiller

Again, ASA is a well-known antipyretic that can be successfully used every time the thermometer crosses the border of 36.6 ° C. Plus, the drug has a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. These properties make it possible to use it to facilitate different pain- headache, dental, during menstruation, muscle, and also as an anti-inflammatory agent for rheumatic diseases.

Be careful: the drug has dangerous side effects. For example, if you do not just take it, but “eat” it - that is, you swallow it often and for a long period of time, it strongly irritates the gastric mucosa, often leading to its damage (and this increases the risk of developing ulcers!), Increased acidity and bleeding.

Expert opinion
Natalya Grishina:"In order to minimize the risk side effects for ASA, especially if they have already appeared before, take the medicine after meals. It is also recommended to combine it with antacids - these are drugs that reduce acidity. gastric juice and envelop the mucous membrane (almagel, phosphalugel, gastal and others). And, of course, we must take into account that the development of side effects largely depends on the degree of purification of the drug - it is better to choose medicines from well-known manufacturers.

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases

There are times when side effect medicine becomes an indication for its use in another area. This is exactly what happened with ASC. Doctors have discovered that such an undesirable effect as blood thinning can be used to prevent cardiovascular diseases. How it works? It's about thrombosis. This is an important process that is designed to protect our circulatory system in case of damage. For example, with a cut or wound, the blood components of the platelets gather together, form a clot - and thus stop the bleeding.

But the trouble is that with some diseases, blood clots occur in the vessels and heart, causing difficulties in the body and seriously threatening the life of the owner. Thinning the blood with special preparations, this risk can be reduced. Over time, it really turned out that the daily use of ASA can almost halve the likelihood of developing a heart attack and stroke.

Be careful: you need to dance here according to the indications and the age of the patient. For example, if there is no threat of a heart attack or stroke, then what is the point of taking aspirin? None! And if you start prevention, then not earlier than 45 years - and after conducting tests that will show an excess of platelet levels in the blood, and according to the strict prescription of a doctor who will take into account all the nuances. In general, in no case, under any circumstances, do not engage in amateur performances!

Expert opinion
Vladimir Radionenko:“ASA drugs have been successfully used to prevent blood clots in patients at risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. In this case, drugs should be used regularly and for life. But it is important to remember that with bleeding disorders (for example, hemophilia) or co-administration with other anticoagulants, the risk of bleeding increases. Therefore, before using medications, you should consult a doctor.

Reducing the risk of cancer

Studies conducted by American scientists have shown that ASA can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer progression by early stages. There is also evidence that prophylactic use of such drugs can reduce the likelihood of developing colon and stomach cancer.

Be careful: experts have not yet given an exact explanation of this mechanism of action of aspirin, therefore, official statements about such properties and recommendations to include ASA in complex treatment oncological diseases not yet. In addition, the use of chemotherapy drugs already worsens blood counts, and the additional prescription of aspirin also threatens to increase the risk of bleeding.

But be that as it may, the results obtained can become a breakthrough for new experiments and give a chance to maintain health to those who have hereditary predisposition to illness (one of the close relatives was sick).

Expert opinion
Natalya Grishina:“Unfortunately, there are no unequivocal data regarding the participation of ASA in the prevention of cancer. Perhaps this effect is associated with mechanisms such as improved microcirculation and anti-inflammatory action. To date, ASA preparations are not included in the complex for the treatment of oncological diseases.

Different variants

Here's some news for you: although ASA preparations have the same composition, they differ from each other in indications, dosage and form of release. Lest you get confused, now we will shed light on this.

The aspirin that you are used to taking to reduce fever and pain is often available in tablets - regular (acetylsalicylic acid, Aspirin Bayer, Aspirin York and others) or effervescent (Aspirin with Vitamin C Bayer, Upsarin Upsa " and others). Dosage - from 325 to 1000 mg. By the way, the composition of some complex drugs for a hangover (Alka-Seltzer, Alka-Prim and others) also includes ASA, which helps reduce whining in a buzzing head and other troubles that arose after yesterday's party.

But "heart" aspirin ("Aspirin Cardio", "Trombo ACC", "CardiaSK" and others) is not suitable for the described purposes. These are special cardiac drugs that are used in complex therapy cardiovascular diseases (angina pectoris, heart attack, ischemic stroke, thromboembolism and not only). They have a lower dosage (50-100 mg) and are available in enteric-coated tablets, which helps protect the stomach from the irritating effect of ASA.