A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

What Does Aspirin Do?

Aspirin is a type of a salicylate which works by reducing the substances present in the body which cause pain, inflammation and fever. Aspirin is used for the treatment of pain and takes care of fever and inflammation. In rare cases, it might also be used for treating strokes, chest pain and heart attacks. Aspirin though should be used for treating the cardiovascular disorders only under the doctor’s supervision

Composition of Aspirin

Each Aspirin tablet contains acetylsalicylic acid as the active ingredient. The inactive ingredients in aspirin include carnauba wax, hypromellose, corn starch, triaceti and powdered cellulose.

Aspirin

Uses of Aspirin

Aspirin is used for the treatment of fever or relieving moderate to mild pain caused as a result of conditions like headaches, toothaches, common cold or muscle aches. This drug is also useful for reducing swelling and pain in conditions like arthritis. Aspirin is an NSAID and it works by blocking the natural substances present in the body which cause swelling and pain. Doctors need to be consulted before giving this drug to children below the age of 12. Aspirin may also be recommended by doctors to prevent blood clots in case of a surgery. During surgeries for clogged arteries like the bypass surgery or coronary stent, the doctor may ask the patient to have an aspirin to thin the blood thus preventing blood clots and the risk of heart attack or stroke. Aspirin prevents the blood clots which might take place by stopping the platelets from clumping together.

Side Effects of Aspirin

The following are some of the side effects which the patient might experience on popping an aspirin:

  • Abdominal pain or stomach pain
  • Cramping of the stomach
  • Burning sensation
  • Black and tarry stools
  • Cloudy or bloody urine
  • change in the consciousness
  • discomfort or chest pain
  • some form of confusion
  • constipation
  • dark urine
  • convulsions which might be severe or continuing
  • decreased amount or frequency of urine
  • diarrhea
  • fainting
  • fast breathing
  • difficulty in breathing
  • drowsiness
  • fever
  • panic attack
  • general tiredness or weakness
  • headaches
  • increased thirst
  • heartburn
  • irregular heartbeat
  • loss of consciousness
  • indigestion
  • light coloured stools
  • loss of appetite
  • lower back pain or side pain
  • muscle cramping
  • muscle tremors
  • nervousness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • numbness or tingling of feet, hands and lips
  • rapid or deep breathing
  • restlessness
  • skin rashes
  • swelling of the fingers, face or lower legs
  • unusual bruising or bleeding
  • blood in vomits
  • weight gain
  • yellowing or eyes or skin

Contraindications of Aspirin

Aspirin should not be taken by someone who is allergic to salicylates or pain relievers. Aspirin should be avoided if one suffers from medical conditions like hemophilia, low platelet count or vitamin K deficiency.

Pregnancy and Aricept

Aspirin should not be taken by one during pregnancy. Before taking this medicine, the doctor must be consulted if you think or you are pregnant. This medication at no cost should be taken during the last three months of pregnancy as it might harm the unborn baby or might cause complications during delivery. Aspirin does pass into breast milk & may harm the infant. Hence if there is an urgent need to take this medicine while breastfeeding, a doctor needs to be consulted.

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