One of the traditional medicines in Western health is acetylsalicylic acid, a drug that is specially designed to prevent the formation of prostaglandins inside our body. Therefore, it is a medicine that is prescribed to patients who suffer from inflammatory and painful conditions. Then we’ll find out when and how to take acetylsalicylic acid so we can make the most of all its uses and properties.
How Does Acetylsalicylic Acid Work?
Acetilsylic acid is a drug that has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. In addition, it also inhibits the aggregation of platelets, which is essential to minimize the risk of thrombi or clots appearing in the blood. It is a treatment that is used in patients who are at risk for thrombus and who have gone through diseases prone to this situation, such as myocardial infarction or angina.
It is a medicine designed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular accidents and therefore helps us prevent heart attacks. However, it is only prescribed in people who have a risk of this type of disease, ordinary society should not take acetylsalicylic acid as a preventive measure because serious side effects could occur. This drug should be prescribed by a doctor and always carried out a thorough check of both the duration of treatment and the dosage.
Dosage And Guidelines For Administration
To carry out healthy and appropriate treatment, medical recommendations must be followed in doses and guidelines for the administration of acetylsalicylic acid. You should know that today, this medicine is going into disuse due to the emergence of new drugs that also perform the same function. However, the platelet function of acetylsalicylic acid makes it a very suitable method for patients who have suffered from cardiovascular disease.
The recommended dose in the case of acetylsalicylic acid being taken as a plaquelet anti-agregant is 75 to 300 mg/day. On the other hand, the recommended analgesic dose is much higher. It should always be a doctor who tells you the amount needed for each patient.
An interesting point to take into account is that the effect of acetylsalicylic acid is slow and progressive, therefore, should not be used as a treatment in cases of urgency. It’s a drug that helps us prevent and protect our body, but not slow down the symptoms of a cardiovascular accident as a heart attack would.
Side Effects
In conclusion, we will discuss the side effects of acetylsalicylic acid, a well-known drug in the medical community. You should know that there are contraindications that need to be taken into account before starting such treatment. The most prominent are the following:
– Allergic reactions. If you have an allergy to any of its components, one of the side effects is that a reaction appears. Therefore, it is best to talk carefully to your doctor to know if you have allergies to any of the elements that form acetylsalicylic acid.
Not suitable for asthmatics. People who suffer from asthma or diseases that alter the respiratory system should consult with a doctor before starting treatment with this type of drug.
Patients with ulcers or gastric problems. People who have some gastrointestinal system-related condition shouldn’t take this medicine either.
People with severe or liver heart disease. The consumption of acetylsalicylic acid is not recommended in people who have liver problems or serious diseases that affect their cardiovascular system.
Treatment with methotrexate. People who are medicated with methotrexate at a dose equal to or greater than 15 mg per week should also not be treated with acetylsalicylic acid.
Under 16 years of age. This drug is also not recommended in people under 16 years of age because it can lead to the onset of Reye Syndrome, a rare but serious disease that occurs at younger ages.
Pregnant women. Women who are pregnant in the third trimester may not be able to follow treatment with this medicine either. It is recommended that you always consult with a specialist before starting treatment during the gestation period.
In addition, if you are going to start an acetylsalicylic acid treatment you should know that alcohol consumption is contraindicated as it can increase the side effects of the drug and chronic irritation.