Aspirin is said to be one of the safest and the least expensive analgesic on the market, with over 100 years of providing effective treatment for people.
Well with that statement in its bag, I used this as a painkiller when paracetamol wasn’t working that well. Also members of my family ... Read review
Aspirin is said to be one of the safest and the least expensive analgesic on the market, with over 100 years of providing effective treatment for people.
Well with that statement in its bag, I used this as a painkiller when paracetamol wasn’t working that well. Also members of my family use Aspirin for other reasons – which will be explained in a mo!
*****************
The history of Aspirin
***************** ...It is now know that Aspirin is a member of the family of chemicals called the Salicylates.
Though German chemist called Felix Hoffmann was giving this to his dad who was unable to stomach taking this, he realized that the acid in the drug was causing this and he experimented and ended up making the compound Acetylsalicylic acid which gave the safe analgesic and anti pyretic properties and was much better on the stomach!
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Aspirin is said to be one of the safest and the least expensive analgesic on the market, with over 100 years of providing effective treatment for people.
Well with that statement in its bag, I used this as a painkiller when paracetamol wasn’t working that well. Also members of my family use Aspirin for other reasons – which will be explained in a mo!
***************** The history of Aspirin *****************
Well as long ago as he 5th century the Hippocrates wrote about a bitter power witch was extracted from willow bark that helped with aches and pains and was effective in reducing fever. Then a scientist a Reverend Edmund Stone in 1700 documented the success of the bark and the willow cure for fevers.
As time went on scientist looked into the chemical workings of this and found that the part of the willow bark that was bitter and good for pain and fever was a chemical called Salicin. It is now know that Aspirin is a member of the family of chemicals called the Salicylates.
Though German chemist called Felix Hoffmann was giving this to his dad who was unable to stomach taking this, he realized that the acid in the drug was causing this and he experimented and ended up making the compound Acetylsalicylic acid which gave the safe analgesic and anti pyretic properties and was much better on the stomach!
Oh the clever people we have (had)!!!
********************* How does Aspirin work? *********************
Well when you are hurt for example stub your toe, a message is sent to the brain that activates pain. What sends this message is called Prostaglandin’s, so how Aspirin works is by inhibiting prostaglandin’s therefore blocking the pathway therefore easing the amount of pain that you feel. Though it is important to know that by taking aspirin it doesn’t stop the pain just hides it.
When you take aspirin it dissolves in your stomach and the small intestine this is where your body then absorbs it. Thus taking it into your bloodstream, which travels throughout you’re entire body and only working where there are prostaglandins being made.
Knowing this you have to give Aspirin time to work (appox 20 mins normally)
Basically Aspirin is filtered out of your bloodstream by the Kidneys and sent out in your urine. The whole process of this takes 6 hours; therefore the pain killing effect is gone by then which is why you’d need to take another aspirin.
***************** Who needs aspirin? *****************
Aspirin really is one of these wonder drugs that are taken for MANY things!!
So firstly what I started taking it for, I was having BAD period pains so at the time I was told by the chemist that aspirin was one of the traditional choices for an anti-inflammatory (although now other Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) are preferred) so I decided to take this!
But anyway – in regular high doses aspirin has the same anti-inflammatory effect as other NSAID.
Aspirin is also effective in angina, both stable and unstable (though the dosage alters – more in dose section)
Aspirin is also used in a low does for the secondary prevention of thrombotic cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease. This is because of the anti coagulant action prevents blood clots.
Also a singles dose of Aspirin has been proven to be effective after an ischaemic event – such as a Myocardial Infarction (MI)(heart attack) a stroke and then backed up with maintained doses.
A low dose of aspirin has been researched and proved effective in the primary prevention of vascular events. Reducing the risk of MI’s (which is why my Granddad takes an aspirin a day).
Aspirin is also taken for aches and pains and inflammation, headaches and migraines and rheumatic disease. It is also very effective in reducing temperatures.
Aspirin is used also for arthritis, although some people may not take “aspirin” but called something else that has aspirin as its main ingredient.
Also new research is being done that suggests that aspirin helps to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels, which reduces the risk of thrombotic strokes! *************** Side Effects ***************
With all drugs on the market prescription or over the counter there are always side effects! And Aspirin is no exception to this. Firstly it can cause an allergic reaction.
Aspirin can increase the incidences of gastro intestinal irritation with slight blood loss.
With its anti – platelet properties it will increase your bleeding time.
It can also cause bronchospasms – which is why people that have asthma should NOT take this.
Aspirin can also cause skin reactions in those that are hypersensitive to aspirin.
In some cases it can cause GI problems such as nausea, dyspepsia and bleeding.
In rare cases Aspirin can cause mild chronic salicylate intoxication – the symptoms of this are dizziness, tinnitus and deafness, but reducing the dose can control these.
Again in rare cases odema and myocarditis can be caused. ************************ Who should avoid Aspirin? ************************
Of cause there is a list of people that Aspirin is unsuitable for so here goes;
Don’t take if you have asthma (due to one of the side effects)
If you have impaired renal or hepatic function than you should avoid (this is due to the absorption and the filtering of the drug in your system).
It is advised that you should not take aspirin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you have any know gastro or intestinal ulcerations you should avoid.
If in the past you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to aspirin or any other NSAID then don’t take.
Also it’s advised that children under the age of 12, it’s not suitable for them.
Hemophiliacs should not be taking aspirin either!! ********************** Dose – Route – Frequency **********************Aspirin can be obtained in coated form, chewable, effervescent, and capsule and in supposititory form.
Aspirin may be prescribed by your doctor and bought over the counter – but you should always follow the instructions on the box.
Because of the stomach upsets that aspirin causes you should always take aspirin with meals or a glass of milk.
General dose for aches pains fever, it 300 – 900 mg every 4-6 hours with the max dose of 4g a day.
Stable angina this will be prescribed by the doctor but the dose is normally 75-100mg daily. And unstable angina the initial management 300mg and then long term 75-100mg indefinitely.
For ischaemic events (such as strokes, heart attacks) then an initially dose of 150-300mg if required with a maintaince dose required.
Aspirin 75-150mg taken daily can reduce the risk of coronary problems.
If you are taking Aspirin for its anti-inflammatory effect then its recommended that you take 3.6 g daily as there is little effect given from 3g or less a day.
Just remember that you need to leave 4-6 hours between doses and follow the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist, and to read the patient leaflet provided in the packet.
WARNINGS
· You should not take aspirin for pain for more than 10 days with out talking to your doctor, and for those 12-18 then that time changes to 5 days. · If you are booked into surgery then inform the health care professionals, as you may have to stop taking it up to a week before the surgery date. · Also it is strongly advised that you should NOT drink alcohol when on aspirin. Aspirin should be stored away from children and at room temperature.
************** Drug Interactions **************
As with a lot of drugs they can interact with other medication and again aspirin is no exception to this so you are warned that you shouldn’t take aspirin if you are on any anticoagulants, hypoglycemic agents, uricosuric agents, spironolactone, corticosteroids, other NSAID, urinary alkalinizers, Phenobarbital, phenytoin and propranolol.
So personally I took aspirin for a number of years more minor headaches, and period pains to which they did work effectively. They did not cause any unwanted side effects at all, (although I must admit I didn’t stick to the take with a meal or milk rule). However when I was 21 when I had a diagnosis of asthma and therefore was warned that I should from now on avoid aspirin because it can cause broncospasms.
My granddad as I have stated previously has been taking an aspirin a day to prevent heart attacks, also for rheumatic pain and it has proven effective for him.
I also given aspirin to almost all of the patients in hospital because of its anti platelet therapy due to the fact that they are on bed rest for some time so this reduces the risk of DVT’s.
As the first paragraphs says aspirin is really cheap you can get a pack of 16 for less than 30p in most places! Not bad at all considering all that it can do! And that it can save lives!
Advantages: Very versitile, Cheap but Effective Disadvantages: Bad side effects, hard on the guts
Aspirin is one of the most common non-prescription painkillers available today; which is used world wide for a hugely diverse number of reasons. Over 80 billion Aspirin are taken per year. A lifesaver in so many different ways; Aspirin is still amazing scientists with its vast potential: Aspirin is useful as a painkiller but can also help with heart conditions, arthritis and more recently diabetes. Underrated because of its low price, and feared ... ...where does the wonder drug Aspirin come from? Well the simple answer to this question is Aspirin is manufactured from the chemical Salicin, which is extracted from the willow tree’s bark. To discover the first reference of its use, its required to turn the clock right back to the 5th century BC; The famous Physician ‘Hippocrates’ noticed that the bitter powder: extracted from willow bark, could ease aches and pains as well as reducing fever. Although ...
the_evil_aku 06.08.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Aspirin
Advantages: Can literally save your life Disadvantages: Possible stomach upset in some people
...~ ~
~ ~ Aspirin as we know it today was invented in 1897 by a German chemist called Felix Hoffmann, who developed it as a treatment for his father’s chronic arthritis.
But it’s history could actually be said to have started in the fifth century B.C., when Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, reputedly used ground willow bark for the treatment of aches and pains.
The bark of the willow tree contains salicin, which is the base ... ...synthesised acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and aspirin came into existence.
HOW IT WORKS
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Arthritis
~ ~ Aspirin is still used today for the purpose for which it was originally invented, namely the treatment of all kinds of arthritis, and is recognised as one of the most effective and least expensive forms of treatment for this extremely common illness.
There are in fact well over a hundred different known variations of arthritis, but ...
the_mad_cabbie 22.02.2001 (11.02.2003)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Aspirin
Advantages: Cheap, easily available, versatile, may help prevent heart attacks Disadvantages: Tastes bitter, not suitable for children, prolonger use may cause stomach ulcers
We all know what aspirin is, don't we? A common painkiller, a slightly old-fashioned headache pill, cheap, ubiquitous, easily available. Its something we take for granted, and usually think nothing of. However, it is a medicine that I had not taken until recently - having followed my mum's habit of taking paracetamol or ibuprofen instead - when I was recommended to try it by a nurse at my local clinic for the relief of pain from a sprained knee. ... ...ancient Greeks and Native Americans). Aspirin as we now recognize it has been around since the 1890's. ● How does it work? Aspirin is an analgesic - this means that it can relieve pain without loss of consciousness. It is also classed as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, so it can reduce inflammation and swelling as well as pain. Pain and inflammation in conditions such as period cramps, sprains and infection are caused by hormones called ...
Collingwood21 22.09.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Aspirin
Advantages: Very good general pain relief, prevents further heart failures Disadvantages: Many side effects that can effect many people
Aspirin celebrated its 100 years in existence this year and is the most widely used medicine in the world today. A staggering 35,000 tonnes of Aspirin is consumed every year and this is enough to make over 3100 Billion Aspirin tablets.
Aspirin is short for acetylsalicylic acid and possesses various properties that make it a very versatile medicament and thus a very popular and recommended one.
Uses for Aspirin
--------------------
1) Pain Relief ... ...etc.
2) Against Fever
Aspirin is also an antipyretic compound, which means that it helps reduce fever. Many other medicines used to treat fever and used in the reduction of body temperature contain aspirin.
3) For Your Heart
One of the most dynamic uses of Aspirin is for the heart. Small dosages of aspirin make the blood flow better through narrow veins in your body. It basically makes some small particles in the blood, which are known as platelets, ...
vinodgm 03.03.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Aspirin
Advantages: Good to have on hand for emergencies Disadvantages: There are people who can't take it
...that everyone should carry an aspirin with them at all times. This is because taking an aspirin at the first sign of heart attack can save the person’s life. Apparently it does this by helping to thin the blood, thereby reducing the heart’s workload.
Well, I have been carrying an aspirin since I heard that information. Last Sunday, though, I had occasion to use it, and on the last person I thought would need it. My husband and I were ... ...probably had indeed been an aspirin and secondly that he had probably had some sort of heart problem. We rang NHS Direct. They were wonderful. We got to speak to a real nurse, who asked my husband intelligent questions and managed to ease his fears yet convince him that he needed an immediate medical check (not a simple task). We arrived at the hospital to be greeted by a sign telling us there was an approximate wait of 3 hours. On giving his details ...
MichelleScott 22.01.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Aspirin
Advantages: Ummm . . . can't think of any Disadvantages: Expensive - minimal relief, if any.
£6! For something that doesn't work very well - I could buy bucketloads of aspirin for that price.
As I am writing this, I have a pounding headache. I work at a computer most of the day, and it could be due to eyestrain. I asked my workmates if they had any aspirin or paracetamol - to no avail.
However, one kindly soul had a stick of 4head. I must admit I was sceptical. However, I had nothing to lose, so I might as well give it a go.
It is advertised as a "natural", "alternative", pain relief. (This is the usual sort of ploy used to flog expensive products to gullible people). Aspirin provides natural pain relief for a fraction of the price. It was discovered thousands of years ago (in 400BC!), as it can be extracted from a tree - I think it is the oak (not sure). A quick trip to google informs me that it is the willow that ...
Advantages: quick working Disadvantages: lemoney taste, but a little bit bitter.
you have had Andrews Liver salts, then it's a bit like that.
I carried on doing this for the rest of the day, you have to have four hour intervals,it is best not to take more than 13 tablets in 24 hours though.
As it got to night i felt a lot better, then over the course of two/three days, my throat had got back to normal.
I thought they were very effective and would buy them again.
The tablets are also good for a long list of medical problems, including ;Headache and Migraine, Toothache, Backache, period Pain,Neuralgia, Rheumatic Pain, Colds and Influenza and Sciatica.
Apparently taking soluble aspirin get's into your bloodstream quicker than just swallowing a whole tablet.
Therefore it works faster.
Children under 12 must seek doctors advice before taking these tablets.
If the symptoms still persist after taking a full ...
Advantages: Natural pain relief Disadvantages: Can be difficult to obtain. Infusion need atleast 15mins steeping.
Willow was originally the source of salicylic acid, the main component of aspirin, though it is now chemically manufactured. If you have run out of aspirin an infusion of the leaves of Salix Alba, the willow tree is a good natural alternative. It provides mild pain relief and the taste is not unpleasant. It can be hard to obtain - it is best if you use leaves from a nearby tree rather than buying them dried.
Your infusion should be of about a handful of leaves per 500ml of boiling water and you should leave it to steep for approximately 20 minutes. Drink cups of it throughout the day as yo feel the need - don't be worried about overdosing on willow - the concentration of the active ingredient is quite weak.
I've used it a few times - particularly to ease mild period pain, however if you use it for this you should remember that as ...
artemisia 07.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Willow
