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Alternative Names: Acetylsalicylic Acid.
Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) has a long history of use, with the medicinal properties of naturally-occurring salicylates such as salicylic acid being recognised since the days of the Assyrians and the Egyptians.
Other drugs with similar medicinal properties to aspirin have subsequently been developed, being collectively known as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs such as aspirin, indomethacin, piroxicam and sulindac are valuable drugs for the alleviation of pain, inflammation and fever. NSAIDs are widely used in the treatment of inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis. Of all of the NSAIDs, aspirin is the most widely used since it is inexpensive, easily available and is indicated in many common conditions such as headache and the common cold.
Source
Enteric-coated aspirin, such as 81mg Bayer, (120 count) or a generic variety, is recommended over the child's aspirin, which are generally found in a tamper-proof bottle with a count of only 20 or so.
Function; Reasons For Use
Aspirin is used to prevent blood clots within the blood vessel wall, be it in the heart vessels which can cause a heart attack, or in the neck and head vessels which can cause a stroke. The basis for the use of low dose aspirin lies in its unique inhibitory effect on a single key enzyme, COX-1 (cyclooxygenase-1). Actually, there are two forms (isoforms) of COX. The other is known as COX-2. The latter is inducible and undetectable in most normal tissues but under certain conditions such as inflammatory processes, becomes elevated. Therefore, a high dose of aspirin (10 grains or 2 adult tablets), which is an anti-inflammatory, and other medications such as ibuprofen quell the COX-2 and the inflammatory process. As a consequence of this, the good effects of COX-2, which gives protection of the stomach and kidneys are lost and problems with this such as ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, fluid retention and high blood pressure can occur with the higher dosage.
The therapeutic and toxic properties of aspirin and other NSAIDs can be explained pharmacologically. NSAIDs inhibit the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme and thus prevent the formation of prostaglandins and thromboxanes from precursor arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid that is derived from the diet. It is believed that the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of aspirin are related to prostaglandin inhibition.
It is believed that the therapeutic effects of NSAIDs against pain, inflammation and fever are largely related to cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibition while the toxic effects of NSAIDs to the stomach and kidney are largely related to cyclo-oxygenase-1 inhibition.
Aspirin is absorbed and goes directly to the liver. The liver inactivates the aspirin by deacetylation. A transdermal patch may be available soon that will not do this, in that it would go right into the blood stream to do its good thing of preventing excess blood clotting.
Aspirin also has a unique usefulness among the family of NSAIDs in that it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Low doses (100-300mg per day) can reduce by 30% the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke among patients who already have a history of these disorders; lower doses of between 75-150mg per day are also showing promise in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with a pre-existing condition. The prevention of cardiovascular disease is thought to be related to thromboxane inhibition in platelets leading to a reduced risk of potentially dangerous blood clots forming in the heart and brain blood vessels.
Aspirin has also been shown to decrease the incidence of gastrointestinal cancer and gall bladder disease, and improve diabetes, PMS symptoms, and pregnancy outcomes. The American Cancer Society epidemiologists found that while low dose aspirin use had no effect on cancers of most organ systems, the risks were greatly reduced for fatal cancers of the esophagus, stomach, rectum and colon. These four digestive tract cancers were approximately 40% lower among men and women who used aspirin 16 times per month or more for at least one year compared to those who used no aspirin.
As with heart disease, studies have shown that taking low doses of aspirin, and maintaining a diet low in fat and high in fiber-grains, fruits and vegetables-reduces the risk of many of the digestive cancers.
When cholesterol-saturated bile accumulates and becomes lodged in the cystic duct, gallstones are formed. During acute cholecystitis, usually a bacterial inflammation associated with gallstones, the production of prostaglandins are increased as part of the normal inflammation and repair processes. This process involves much pain, increased fluid secretions, muscle contraction and decreased bile, all of which perpetuate the inflammation more. Several studies have been conducted to show that prostaglandin inhibitors such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can prevent the formation of gallstones, as well as reduce the biliary pain associated with this process.
Years ago, researchers noticed a link between arthritis, leprosy and the incidence of Alzheimer's. As part of the standard treatment for arthritis and leprosy was the use of aspirin. These patients were proven to have a lower incidence of Alzheimer's. Researchers from Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center found that as the use of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increases, the rate of mental deterioration decreases. In the November 8, 1999 issue of Business Week, a pharmaceutical report indicated anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the inflammation that accompanies plaque formation in the brain. Also, population studies have long noted that aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs appear to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by 50%."
In diabetes and borderline diabetes, aspirin magnifies and enhances the effects of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents. This means that aspirin may protect somewhat against diabetic risk.
Many small studies have concluded that low dose aspirin reduces the risks of pregnancy induced hypertension toxcemia and severe low birth weight.
Directions
When an analgesic is needed, read the label to make sure you do not take a product that contains additional aspirin. Acetaminophen (generic Tylenol) certainly is a good substitute.
Side-Effects
Despite their beneficial effects, aspirin and other NSAIDs do have toxic side-effects. Aspirin can cause irritation, ulceration and bleeding of the stomach and other gastrointestinal (GI) tract organs; it can also reduce kidney function, induce bronchoconstriction in asthmatics and in rare cases may precipitate haemorrhagic stroke.
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Aspirin can help with the following: | | | | | Addictions | Not recommended for:
 Alcohol-related Problems | Aspirin can prevent stomach enzymes from processing the alcohol. If taking aspirin, leave more time between drinks so the liver can cope. |
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Circulation |
Not recommended for:
 Bleeding Tendency |
Digestion |
Not recommended for:
Gastrointestinal Bleeding| | Certain drugs, such as aspirin and many other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can irritate the digestive tract and cause bleeding. |
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Infections |
Not recommended for:
 Infectious Mononucleosis - Mono| | Those under 20 should not take aspirin unless a doctor approves it. In children and teens, aspirin taken for viral illnesses has been associated with the potentially fatal disease Reye syndrome. |
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Inflammation |
 Chronic Inflammation| | Drugs that reduce inflammation are effective, but even the relatively "safe" ones such as aspirin can cause gastritis or even an ulcer. |
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Metabolic |
Not recommended for:
Susceptibility to Hangovers| | By all means take some pain relief tablets, but avoid aspirin as the alcohol has probably already made your stomach lining sensitive. |
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Musculo-Skeletal |
 Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis| | Aspirin is the preferred drug for therapy given as 80-100mg/kg/day. Higher doses are usually reserved for children with more severe disease. Serum salicylate levels should be maintained between 20 and 30mg/dl. Liver enzymes should be monitored prior to and during aspirin therapy. Some elevation of liver enzymes almost always occurs. Treatment, in the absence of overt side-effects, should be continued for 6 months beyond any indication of active disease and therapy should be tapered slowly. Prednisone in a dose of 1mg/kg/day may be used for brief periods. Physical therapy of the involved joints is essential in preventing long-term disability. |
Not recommended for:
Gout / Hyperuricemia| | Among the more common predisposing factors for hyperuricemia are kidney failure from any cause, diuretics, dehydration, hormonal diseases, alcohol consumption and using low doses of aspirin. Aspirin and aspirin-containing products should be avoided during acute attacks because they will further elevate uric acid levels. |
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Aspirin can help prevent the following: | | | | | Circulation |  Stroke| | Aspirin reduces platelet 'stickiness' or aggregation as do other natural products that 'thin blood'. The use of aspirin to reduce clotting and stroke risk, even at doses as low as 81mg three times per week, is still controversial. The risks at the lowest doses are low, but the benefit may be limited. Aspirin seems to work better in men with low blood pressure than high, and in men who have had a previous heart attack compared to those who have not. There are many natural substances that can reduce stroke risk with fewer side effects. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended | | | May have adverse consequences | | | Reasonably likely to cause problems | | | Avoid absolutely |
GLOSSARY
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Alzheimer's Disease (Alzheimer's)
A progressive disease of the middle-aged and elderly, characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several areas of the brain, leading to loss of mental functions such as memory and learning. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.
Analgesic
Agent which relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Arthritis (Arthritic)
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is characterized by a gradual loss of cartilage and often an overgrowth of bone at the joints.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Bile
A bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and is released when fat enters the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) in order to aid digestion.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.
Cholecystitis (Cholecystalgia)
Inflammation of the gall bladder and ducts, for example from the presence of passing stones, or following fasting or anorexia, or because of a spreading intestinal tract infection. Cholecystalgia: Cramps or tenesmus of the gall bladder or bile ducts.
Chronic Renal Failure (Chronic Renal Insufficiency, Kidney Failure, Renal Insufficiency)
(CRF) Irreversible, progressive impaired kidney function. The early stage, when the kidneys no longer function properly but do not yet require dialysis, is known as Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRI). CRI can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms are not usually apparent until kidney disease has progressed significantly. Common symptoms include a frequent need to urinate and swelling, as well as possible anemia, fatigue, weakness, headaches and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bad breath and itchy skin may develop as toxic metabolites, normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, build up to harmful levels. Over time (up to 10 or 20 years), CRF generally progresses from CRI to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD, also known as Kidney Failure). Patients with ESRD no longer have kidney function adequate to sustain life and require dialysis or kidney transplantation. Without proper treatment, ESRD is fatal.
Colon (Colonic)
The part of the large intestine that extends to the rectum. The colon takes the contents of the small intestine, moving them to the rectum by contracting.
Deciliter (dL)
0.1 or one tenth of a liter.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Diuretic (Diuretics)
An agent increasing urine flow, causing the kidneys to excrete more than the usual amount of sodium, potassium and water.
Enteric (Enteric-coated)
Pertaining to the small intestines. Enteric-coated: A coating that prevents a tablet or capsule from being digested until it reaches the small intestine.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Esophagus (Esophageal)
Commonly called the "food pipe", it is a narrow muscular tube, about nine and a half inches long, that begins below the tongue and ends at the stomach. It consists of an outer layer of fibrous tissue, a middle layer containing smoother muscle, and an inner membrane, which contains numerous tiny glands. It has muscular sphincters at both its upper and lower ends. The upper sphincter relaxes to allow passage of swallowed food that is then propelled down the esophagus into the stomach by the wave-like peristaltic contractions of the esophageal muscles. There is no protective mucosal layer, so problems can arise when digestive acids reflux into the esophagus from the stomach.
Gallbladder (Gall Bladder)
A small, digestive organ positioned under the liver, which concentrates and stores bile. Problems with the gallbladder often lead to gallbladder attacks, which usually occur after a fatty meal and at night. The following are the most common symptoms: steady, severe pain in the middle-upper abdomen or below the ribs on the right; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; pain under the right shoulder; nausea; vomiting; fever; chills; jaundice; abdominal bloating; intolerance of fatty foods; belching or gas; indigestion.
Gallstone (Biliary Calculus, Gall Stone, Gall Stones, Gallbladder Attack, Gallbladder Attacks, Gallstones)
Stone-like objects in either the gallbladder or bile ducts, composed mainly of cholesterol and occasionally mixed with calcium. Most gallstones do not cause problems until they become larger or they begin obstructing bile ducts, at which point gallbladder "attacks" begin to occur. Symptoms usually occur after a fatty meal and at night. The following are the most common ones: steady, severe pain in the middle-upper abdomen or below the ribs on the right; pain in the back between the shoulder blades; pain under the right shoulder; nausea; vomiting; fever; chills; jaundice; abdominal bloating; intolerance of fatty foods; belching or gas; indigestion.
Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach lining. White blood cells move into the wall of the stomach as a response to some type of injury; this does not mean that there is an ulcer or cancer - it is simply inflammation, either acute or chronic. Symptoms depend on how acute it is and how long it has been present. In the acute phase, there may be pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting. In the chronic phase, the pain may be dull and there may be loss of appetite with a feeling of fullness after only a few bites of food. Very often, there are no symptoms at all. If the pain is severe, there may be an ulcer as well as gastritis.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Hypertension
High blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure because it adds to the workload of the heart, causing it to enlarge and, over time, to weaken; in addition, it may damage the walls of the arteries.
Insulin
A hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin stimulates the liver, muscles, and fat cells to remove glucose from the blood for use or storage.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Kilogram (kg, kgs, Kilogramme, Kilogrammes, Kilograms)
1000 grams, 2.2lbs.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
NSAID (NSAIDs)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Platelets (Platelet)
Cells that help the blood to clot.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, PUFA, PUFAs)
A polyunsaturated fatty acid is one that is missing more than one pair of hydrogen atoms. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are mostly found in plant and sea foods. Safflower, sunflower, corn and soy oils are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Precursor (Precursors)
A biochemical substance, such as an intermediate compound in a chain of enzymatic reactions, from which a more stable or definitive product is formed.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS consists of various physical and/or emotional symptoms that occur in the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation. The symptoms begin about midcycle, are generally the most intense during the last seven days before menstruation and include: acne; backache; bloating; fatigue; headache; sore breasts; changes in sexual desire; depression; difficulty concentrating; difficulty handling stress; irritability; tearfulness.
Prostaglandin (Prostaglandins)
Any of a class of physiologically active substances present in many tissues, with effects such as vasodilation, vasoconstriction, stimulation of the smooth muscles of the bronchus or intestine, uterine stimulation; also involved in pain, inflammation, fever, allergic diarrhea, and dysmenorrhea. A potent hormone -- similar in structure to an unsaturated fatty acid -- that acts in extremely low concentrations on local target organs; first isolated from the prostate.
Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Stroke (Stroke-Type Event)
A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, complete or partial loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The most common manifestation is some degree of paralysis, but small strokes may occur without symptoms. Usually caused by arteriosclerosis, it often results in brain damage.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Ulcer (Ulceration, Ulcers)
Lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.
Uric Acid (Hyperuricemia)
The final end product of certain native or dietary proteins, especially the nucleoproteins found in the nucleus of cells. Unlike the much smaller nitrogenous waste product urea, which is mostly recycled to form many amino acids, uric acid is an unrecycleable metabolite that must be excreted: nucleoprotein to purine to uric acid to the outside in the urine or the sweat. Hyperuricemia: Having elevated blood uric acid, either from a rapid rate of cell breakdown and synthesis (such as might occur from fasting, heavy training, trauma or any number of major diseases), a high consumption of organ meats, glandular supplements or spirulina, or the inability (usually hereditary) to excrete uric acid in the urine as fast as it is produced, even though production itself is not elevated.
Last updated: Apr 27, 2008
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