Do You Know, What is Aspirin ?

Acetylsalicylic acid or broadly called Aspirin is drugs that produce by German pharmaceutical company known as Bayer, and its generic name is Acetylsalicylic acid. This drugs are frequently applied as an painkiller to get rid of or relieve pain, as an antipyretic to cut down fever, as well as anti-inflammatory drug to cut inflammation. Acetylsalicylic acid occasionally also applied to cover or prevent heart attacks, strokes and angina pectoris or chest pain.

Aspirin is known as an anti-platelet agent which is used to prevent blood clots in long term to prevent heart attacks and strokes in patients that have high risk of this disease. Today, aspirin is often given to patients after experiencing an attack to prevent it happening again. In addition, other benefits of this drugs are to relieve symptoms of migraines, cataracts, gum disease, and slow the progression of colon cancer.

Aspirin should be used for cardiovascular conditions and under the supervision of a physician. Aspirin should not be given to children who have a fever, especially if they have flu symptoms or chickenpox. This drugs can cause a serious condition in children called Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a fatal disease that can cause damage to many organs in the body, especially brain and heart, and can cause hypoglycemia.

Although aspirin has many health benefits, it does not mean the drug has no side effects. The use of excessive and inappropriate dosage recommended doctors, can cause serious side effects. Here are some side effects of aspirin:

1. Stomach upset, heartburn
2. Drowsiness
3. Nausea, vomiting
4. Ears ringing
5. Fever
6. Itching
7. Difficulty breathing or asthma
8. Allergic  reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat
9. Kidney failure, liver damage
10. Coughing blood
    Stop immediately the use of aspirin and call your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of side effects above. You should also avoid alcoholic beverages when you use this drug, because alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding in the stomach and intestines.

In addition, this drug also should not be used on someone who is allergic to ibuprofen or naproxen, as well as in patients with asthma. Because of its effect on the stomach lining, the manufacturer recommends for consult your doctor first before taking it.

Because aspirin has been around a long time and sold at affordable prices, many people who do not believe that aspirin has many benefits and much more effective than prescription drugs that cost one hundred times more expensive. All medicines work best when used according to the dosage that has been determined. If you are in doubt, consult your doctor is the best way to avoid the risk of harmful side effects.