What is aspirin used for, how to take it and side effects. Aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular and cancer diseases - video. Using aspirin for acne

Every home medicine cabinet contains acetylsalicylic acid - Aspirin. The medicine helps reduce fever, get rid of toothache or migraine, and it is also useful for the face. But for some categories of people this drug is strictly contraindicated. What features of the product should be taken into account during treatment?

Acetylsalicylic acid - what is it?

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), name in Latin - Acetylsalicylic acid, white crystalline powder, belongs to the group of analgesics and antipyretics. In medicine it is used as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic, as an auxiliary drug against the aggregation of blood cells. The substance has a slight odor, is highly soluble in water and ethanol, and is included in more than 100 medications for various purposes.

Release form: tablets containing 100, 250, 500 mg of acetylsalicylic acid. Additionally, the composition contains ingredients that do not affect the therapeutic effect of the drug. You can buy acetylsalicylic acid tablets at any pharmacy without presenting a prescription, the price does not exceed 20 rubles.

Popular preparations of acetylsalicylic acid:

• Citramon;
• Paracetamol;
• Aspirin Cardio;
• Antigrippin;
• Upsarin Upsa.

Note! Aspirin is compressed acetylsalicylic acid plus cellulose and corn starch. There is no difference in the therapeutic effect between the drugs; the cost and manufacturers may differ, so you can safely buy cheaper analogues.

Therapeutic effect

After taking acetylsalicylic acid into the body, hyperemia decreases, capillary permeability at the site of inflammation decreases - all this leads to a noticeable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The drug quickly penetrates into all tissues and fluids, absorption occurs in the intestines and liver.

Action of acetylsalicylic acid:

• provides a lasting anti-inflammatory effect 24–48 hours after starting the medication;
• eliminates pain of mild to moderate intensity;
• reduces elevated body temperature without affecting normal parameters;
• acetylsalicylic acid thins the blood, disrupts platelet aggregation - the load on the heart muscle is reduced, and the risk of occurrence is reduced.

The drug can be taken to prevent thrombosis and reduce the risk of developing circulatory disorders in the brain.

Note! The antiaggregation effect of ASA is observed for 7 days after a single dose of the drug. Therefore, the product should not be taken before surgery or shortly before menstruation.

Indications

Due to its wide spectrum of action, acetylsalicylic acid is used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of various etiologies in adults and children over 15 years of age.

What does acetylsalicylic acid help with:

• febrile conditions that accompany infectious and inflammatory pathologies;
• rheumatism, pericarditis;
• migraine, dental, muscle, joint, menstrual pain, ;
• prevention of heart attack, stroke due to problems with blood circulation, increased blood viscosity;
• prevention of blood clots with a genetic predisposition to thrombophlebitis;
• unstable

ASA is included in complex therapy in the treatment of pleurisy, lumbago, heart defects, and mitral valve prolapse. This drug is recommended for use when the first signs of flu or cold appear - it promotes increased sweating, which leads to a rapid improvement in the condition.

Advice! Aspirin is one of the best remedies for eliminating the effects of a hangover; the drug thins the blood, eliminates headaches and swelling, and reduces intracranial stress.

Contraindications and adverse reactions

The instructions for acetylsalicylic acid detail all contraindications and possible negative consequences when taking the drug. Before you start using the product, you should carefully study the instructions to avoid serious complications.

Contraindications:

• and diathesis of a hemorrhagic nature;
• aspirin;
• exacerbation of peptic ulcer, gastric and intestinal bleeding;
• vitamin K deficiency, poor blood clotting, hemophilia;
• increased blood pressure in the portal vein system;
• renal and liver failure;
• dissecting aneurysm.

You should not drink acetylsalicylic acid if you are hypersensitive to salicylates, while taking Methotrexate, and should not be taken simultaneously with alcoholic beverages or ethanol-based medications.

Most of the negative consequences when taking ASA are associated with the digestive system - most often patients complain of pain in the epigastric region, nausea, vomiting, etc. During treatment, pain in the head may intensify, tinnitus may appear, and the functioning of the urinary system may deteriorate. If you are prone to allergies, a rash, bronchospasm, and swelling may occur. In rare cases, erosions and ulcers develop in the digestive tract, kidney or liver failure. But if patients take the medicine strictly following the instructions, then adverse reactions rarely appear.

You should not take acetylsalicylic acid together with other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants; Aspirin reduces the therapeutic effect of diuretics.

Note! With long-term use of ASA, temporary deterioration in hearing and vision often occurs. The consequences are reversible and go away on their own after discontinuation of the drug.

Can pregnant and lactating women and children take Aspirin?

Acetylsalicylic acid is contraindicated in children under 14 years of age, since the drug can displace bilirubin, which can cause the development of severe kidney and liver pathologies in infants and preschoolers and adolescents. Children's dosage is 250 mg twice a day, the maximum permissible daily dose is 750 mg.

Acetylsalicylic acid is strictly prohibited during pregnancy in the first trimester - the drug has a teratogenic effect and can cause the child to develop congenital heart defects and cleft palate.

Note! ASA often becomes the cause in the early stages.

You cannot take acetylsalicylic acid or paracetamol even in the third trimester - the drug causes pulmonary hypertension in the fetus, which causes the development of pathologies in the respiratory tract and impaired blood flow. Using ASA at this time can cause severe uterine bleeding.

ASA should not be taken during breastfeeding, since the acid penetrates into the milk, which can lead to a deterioration in the baby’s health and the development of severe allergic reactions.

Instructions for use of acetylsalicylic acid

ASA should be taken only after meals, so as not to provoke deterioration of the digestive system; it can be washed down with still water or milk. The standard dosage is 1-2 tablets 2-4 times a day, but not more than 1000 mg at a time. You can take no more than 6 tablets per day.

How to take ASA for certain pathologies:

1. To thin the blood, as a prophylactic against heart attack - 250 mg daily for 2-3 months. In emergency cases, the dose may be increased to 750 mg.
2. Acetylsalicylic acid for headaches - it is enough to take 250-500 mg of ASA; if necessary, you can repeat the dose after 4-5 hours.
3. For flu, colds, fever, toothache - 500-1000 mg of the drug every 4 hours, but no more than 6 tablets per day.
4. To eliminate pain during menstruation, drink 250–500 mg of ASA, if necessary, repeat the dose after 8–10 hours.

Advice! Take Aspirin if your blood pressure levels are slightly elevated, if you don’t have antihypertensive drugs on hand.

Acetylsalicylic acid in home cosmetology

Acetylsalicylic acid can be used in homemade recipes for face masks, hair restoration, and dandruff removal.

Acetylsalicylic acid effectively helps against - grind 3 tablets of ASA into powder, add 5 ml of liquid and fresh aloe juice. Apply a thin layer of the mixture to steamed skin and leave until completely dry. Before removing the composition, you need to lightly massage the dermis and wash with warm water. Carry out the procedure twice a week.

Recipe for an anti-wrinkle mask with acetylsalicylic acid - dissolve 6 ASA tablets in 5 ml of lemon juice, add 5 g of fine salt, blue clay and honey. The skin should first be steamed and the mixture should be applied for a quarter of an hour. Sessions are held every 2-3 days.

To reduce oily hair and eliminate dandruff, one Aspirin tablet should be added to a portion of shampoo. You can use the remedy once a week.

Acetylsalicylic acid is an affordable and effective remedy for eliminating pain and inflammation. The drug has not only a wide spectrum of action, but also many contraindications, so you should first consult with your doctor and carefully study the instructions for use.

Aspirin is a generally recognized and affordable medicine that is freely sold in any pharmacy and is available at home in almost everyone. They mainly drink it for fever, headaches, and hangovers. Experienced heart patients are well aware of the ability of this drug to “thin the blood.” However, how justified is its use for such a purpose?

Description of the drug

Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is a non-narcotic analgesic with an antipyretic effect. This medicine is available in tablet form (50, 100, 350 or 500 mg).

Aspirin can be in the form of effervescent tablets or in a special enteric coating.

The main active ingredient of Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. In addition, the drug contains the following excipients:

• cellulose powder;
• starch.

Aspirin acts on the body as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiaggregation (prevents the formation of blood clots) agent.

Most often the drug is prescribed for the following conditions:

• increased temperature in infectious and inflammatory diseases;
• rheumatic diseases;
• prevention of thrombosis.

Using Aspirin to thin the blood

Low dosage aspirin is often prescribed “to thin the blood.” However, it is worth distinguishing between the concepts of “thick blood,” that is, increased blood viscosity, and “propensity to form blood clots.”

If the relationship between the number of formed elements and the volume of plasma in the blood is disrupted, then we can talk about blood thickening. This condition is not an independent disease, but is a syndrome that occurs due to various circumstances.

Slowing blood flow due to increased blood viscosity creates the risk of microclots forming in the bloodstream, which is dangerous due to embolism (blockage) of blood vessels. The antiplatelet properties of Aspirin are not expressed in the literal sense of blood thinning. The drug does not affect its physical viscosity, but prevents the formation of blood clots.

Acetylsalicylic acid affects the properties of platelets to stick together (aggregation) and stick to damaged surfaces (adhesion). By blocking these processes, Aspirin prevents the formation of thrombi (blood clots) in the vessels.

Indications for use

As an antiaggregation (antithrombotic) drug, Aspirin is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of:

• postoperative thrombosis;
• thrombosis of cerebral vessels;
• repeated myocardial infarctions;
• atherosclerosis;
• coronary heart disease.

It is used as an emergency treatment for thromboembolism (blockage with a blood clot) of the pulmonary artery and acute myocardial infarction.

The same amount of Aspirin is used for both prevention and treatment. Increasing the dosage does not affect the effectiveness of the drug, but increases the risk of complications.

About thick blood, blood clots and acetylsalicylic acid - video

What doctors say about aspirin

Doctors' opinions about Aspirin are divided.

1. Many experts recognize it as one of the most effective means in preventing heart attack and stroke. Most often, the drug is prescribed not in the form of pure acetylsalicylic acid, but in other forms. Aspirin is indicated for patients over 50 years of age suffering from coronary heart disease. It is recommended to take the medicine daily in long courses.
2. Another part of the doctors is quite critical of acetylsalicylic acid. They are confident that the prescription of Aspirin is justified only for patients who have suffered a heart attack or ischemic stroke. They justify their position as follows:
   • with long-term use of the drug there is a high risk of bleeding, development of peptic ulcers and even stomach cancer;
     

     Five years ago, Oxford scientists found that acetylsalicylic acid actually reduces the risk of heart attack by 20%, but the likelihood of internal bleeding increases by 30%.

   • some forms of Aspirin do not have an enteric coating, which serves to protect the gastric mucosa from the harmful effects of acid;
   • When chewing tablets, tooth enamel is destroyed, etc.

Aspirin and its side effects - video

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications include:

1. Hypersensitivity to other salicylates.
2. Tendency to various bleedings.
3. Age up to 12 years.

Relative contraindications:

• bronchial asthma;
• chronic diseases of the stomach and small intestine in the acute stage (gastric ulcer, erosive gastritis, duodenal ulcer);
• hemophilia;
• aortic aneurysm;
• preparation for surgery;
• liver failure;
• renal failure;
• pregnancy, especially in the 1st and 3rd trimesters;
• lactation period, as the drug passes into breast milk. If a nursing mother is still forced to take Aspirin for medical reasons, then she will have to give up breastfeeding her baby.

Sometimes doctors prescribe Aspirin cardio to women in the second trimester of pregnancy to prevent heart disease and blood clots. In this situation, the specialist must weigh the benefits of the drug for the expectant mother and the harm from it to the child, since this drug has a teratogenic effect on the fetus, that is, it can cause deformities.

The medicine is prescribed with caution in the following cases:

• simultaneous use of anticoagulants (drugs against increased clotting);
• gout (accumulation of uric acid in the body), since Aspirin helps to delay the excretion of this acid and can provoke an attack of the disease;
• stomach diseases in remission;
• anemia;
• hypovitaminosis K;
• thyrotoxicosis (thyroid disease);
• thrombocytopenia (reduced number of platelets in the blood).

Possible side effects

1. Allergic reactions: skin rash, bronchospasm, Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock.
   

   Aspirin can cause an allergic reaction such as bronchial asthma. The symptom complex is called the “aspirin triad” and manifests itself as bronchospasm, nasal polyps and salicylate intolerance.

2. From the gastrointestinal system: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting. With long-term use, erosion, gastric or duodenal ulcers, as well as gastric or intestinal bleeding may develop.
3. Disorders of the liver and kidneys: nephrotic syndrome, nephritis, edema, renal failure.
4. From the blood: hemorrhagic syndrome (clotting disorder), platelet levels may decrease.
5. From the nervous system: weakness, tinnitus, dizziness (this happens with an overdose).

If such symptoms appear, you should immediately stop taking the medication and consult a doctor.

Interaction with other substances

1. Aspirin is absolutely incompatible with any type of alcohol. Taking these two substances at the same time may cause acute gastric bleeding.
2. The drug is not prescribed together with anticoagulants (for example, Heparin), as they reduce blood clotting.
3. Aspirin enhances the effect of certain drugs: antitumor drugs, sugar-lowering drugs, corticosteroids, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, narcotic analgesics.
4. Acetylsalicylic acid reduces the effectiveness of diuretics and blood pressure medications.

Instructions for use

It is necessary to take the medicine in strict accordance with the doctor's prescription. You should not self-medicate or adjust the dosage or duration of therapy.

1. You should take the medicine after meals with plenty of water.
   

   It is good to drink Aspirin with milk or jelly, this way you can significantly reduce the irritating effect of acid on the gastric mucosa.

2. Aspirin, coated with a special coating to protect the stomach, should not be broken, crushed, or chewed. This tablet should be swallowed whole.
3. Chewable Aspirin tablets are designed specifically to be chewed rather than swallowed.
4. Lozenges should be dissolved in the mouth and not swallowed whole.
5. The drug must be stored in a cool and dry place.

As an antithrombotic agent, Aspirin is prescribed in low doses, since long-term use of the drug in large quantities can cause a decrease in the normal function of blood clotting and cause bleeding. Higher doses are indicated when it is necessary to relieve inflammation or reduce fever. In this case, the medicine is taken in short courses.

In addition, you need to periodically undergo laboratory examinations: donate blood and feces for occult blood. This is necessary in order to identify possible complications in time.

How to take cardiac aspirin correctly - video

What can replace Aspirin?

Aspirin is not the only drug used as an antithrombotic agent. The pharmaceutical market offers a wide selection of analogues.

Drug analogues - table

Most incompetent people often wonder what helps taking aspirin? This medicine is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It relieves inflammation, reduces fever and has a slight analgesic effect.

Use for hypertension

The mechanism of action of this medication is to suppress the formation of active substances such as prostaglandins. They are found in almost all cells of the body. These substances are formed from fatty acids. When taking this medicine, inflammatory processes in various organs are reduced.

There is no reliable evidence that aspirin helps with high blood pressure. In some cases, its use is contraindicated. There is an opinion among some people that it somehow affects blood pressure, but it does not increase or decrease it.

However, the drug's ability to thin the blood is noted. This means that with high intracranial pressure, this medication will provide significant assistance. And all thanks to the analgesic properties and the fact that the medicine dilates the blood vessels of the brain.

Help with headaches and toothaches

Acetyl acid pacifies pain, which disappears for a short time. It helps to cope with some types of headaches.

This tool does a great job:

• with pain associated with lack of sleep and overwork;
• at the initial stage of a migraine attack;
• with headaches that occur with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

Effervescent aspirin UPSA, when compared with conventional tablets, has the main advantage of rapid absorption. The active substance is present in it in larger quantities. It has a positive effect on mild to moderate headaches, migraines, and neuralgia.

It must be borne in mind that Upsa aspirin makes a person feel better only when pain occurs. The remedy is completely useless for prolonged pain.

However, it must be remembered that the main purpose of this drug is to reduce blood viscosity. Therefore, it is most reasonable to take the drug if the human body is prone to the formation of blood clots, varicose veins, atherosclerosis and inflammation of hemorrhoids. It will help prevent myocardial infarction and stroke.

This medicine is rarely used in dentistry. It can help if the tooth aches slightly. There are very few analgesic components in this medication so that it can cope with unbearable or severe pain.

Help medicines for colds

This medicine is most suitable for the treatment of acute respiratory and viral infectious diseases. The tablets affect the center that regulates the body's temperature. They can increase sweat production. That is why the medicine reduces the temperature, if it is high, helps to get rid of the fever. The temperature gently but quickly reaches normal values.

Acetylsalicylic acid, having an anti-inflammatory effect, facilitates the general well-being of a sick person. It is noted that after taking the medicine, the immune system begins to function more actively, and the production of interferon increases. Thanks to this quality, the drug is often prescribed for the complex treatment of viral diseases.

The active ingredient found in aspirin Upsa tablets is much faster and completely absorbed into the human body compared to simple acetylsalicylic acid. In addition, it is noted that people tolerate it better. And therefore, today aspirin UPSA is most often prescribed for the treatment of colds.

Aspirin for hangover

Some people do not know how to overcome a hangover with this drug in their medicine cabinet. It begins to have its effect a little after its use. If a person has had too much alcohol, acetylsalicylic acid can alleviate the condition of a hangover. The medicine eliminates the symptoms; after taking it, the body will need very little time to recover.

This medication after alcohol:

1. Thins the blood. After this, it begins to circulate better throughout the body. As a result, cells quickly receive nutrition in the form of glucose and are also saturated with oxygen.
2. Improves concentration.
3. Eliminates the inflammatory process.
4. Dissolves small blood clots, as a result the capillaries of blood vessels begin to function better.

Aspirin for a hangover helps to cope with headaches caused by blood clots and blood clots. And under the influence of acetylsalicylic acid they disintegrate. When taking aspirin for a hangover, you need to take into account that it is not able to cope with intoxication. The medicine only alleviates the general condition. In such cases, experts advise using aspirin Upsa, which contains citric acid. This medication can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies. This acetylsalicylic acid for hangovers acts as follows: it processes toxic substances in the body that alcohol contains.

The main indications are:

• feverish condition;
• heat;
• the need for blood thinning.

When taking aspirin and alcohol at the same time, compatibility is impossible. As a result, sad consequences may occur. Ethanol is a substance that increases blood clotting. Aspirin with alcohol can cause bleeding in the brain. When a person is drunk, the blood vessels begin to contract and dilate uncontrollably.

Unite Acetylsalicylic acid and alcohol are prohibited also due to the negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The tablets can cause side effects such as damage to the stomach lining. Alcoholic drinks also have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. And with simultaneous use, there is a manifold increase in the side effects of the drug. As a result, the mucous membrane experiences an even greater negative impact. With regular abuse of their joint use, it is quite possible for the appearance of ulcers or erosion in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as internal bleeding. Such complications manifest themselves in the form of weakness, frequent fainting, low blood pressure and anemia. Prolonged, light bleeding leads to unexpected results, although outwardly this may not be noticeable.

Using aspirin for acne

Nowadays, acetylsalicylic acid is used for cosmetic purposes. If you add crushed tablets to masks, you can get rid of inflammation of the dermis, acne, open and closed comedones. With regular use you can:

• remove redness;
• dry purulent pimples;
• whiten spots left by acne;
• perfectly cleanses pores;
• make high-quality peeling.

It is necessary to keep in mind that such a seemingly harmless medicine as aspirin Upsa is taken only as prescribed by the attending physician.

The legendary Margaret Thatcher mentioned in one of her interviews that her breakfast usually consists of a cup of coffee and an aspirin tablet. The “Iron Lady,” as we know, was in excellent shape until her very last days and could boast enviable clarity of mind for her old age, a solid memory and brilliant logic. Which doctor recommended “aspirin therapy” to Thatcher and how often she took this drug is unknown. But it is known for certain that inexpensive and widely available aspirin is widely used to reduce body temperature, high blood pressure, to eliminate headaches, and to treat various diseases of the cardiovascular system. And even in cosmetology, aspirin is incredibly popular: it helps remove acne from the skin and strengthens hair roots.

Properties and benefits of aspirin. The main component in aspirin tablets is acetylsalicylic acid. To give the drug a convenient solid form when producing aspirin, starch and cellulose powder are used, but in very tiny quantities. Thus, a tablet weighing 100 mg contains only 10 mg of starch and cellulose powder.

Acetylsalicylic acid belongs to the so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances. This means that it simultaneously has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects. In addition, acetylsalicylic acid has an antiplatelet effect - it prevents blood clotting.

Aspirin tablets in their traditional form are an excellent blood thinner. Due to the content of acetylsalicylic acid, it prevents the formation of blood clots in blood vessels. Doctors often recommend taking aspirin to people who have had a myocardial infarction, as well as patients with various manifestations of atherosclerosis and cerebrovascular accidents.

Aspirin tablets: indications for use

Here is a fairly detailed list of ailments for which the use of aspirin in traditional tablets may be relevant:

• migraines and headaches;
• pain in muscles and joints;
• menstrual pain in women;
• toothache;
• feverish state with an increase in body temperature to 38 degrees and above;
• ischemic transient disorders;
• post-stroke conditions, problems with blood circulation in the brain;
• myocardial infarction;
• thrombosis;
• angina pectoris;
• embolism.

Treatment with aspirin in all these cases must be agreed upon with the attending physician. The fact is that aspirin should not be taken for a long time. Firstly, it is addictive. Secondly, it has many side effects - it can cause bleeding of internal organs, exacerbation of stomach or duodenal ulcers, anemia, hearing loss, skin rashes and various allergic reactions.

Effervescent aspirin: is there any benefit to it?

Aspirin in the form of “fizzy drinks” was first offered by pharmaceutical companies several years ago - this form of release of the drug was positioned as safer. This drug is also available in tablets, but they are much larger than usual, and they contain vitamin C. They need to be drunk after dissolving in a glass of water, and they dissolve in a matter of seconds. Effervescent aspirin is actually absorbed by the body much faster - after all, with water it is easily absorbed into the blood. But its spectrum of action is very limited.

The use of effervescent aspirin is justified only in two cases:

• for various pain syndromes (headache, dental, menstrual, etc. pain);
• for ARVI and colds, accompanied by a sharp increase in body temperature.

Effervescent aspirin is not used for the treatment of cardiovascular pathologies, as well as for the prevention of heart attacks and strokes - it is powerless in the fight against such problems.

Contraindications to the use of aspirin

As antipyretics, drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid are strictly not recommended for children under 12 years of age to avoid the development of hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, fever in children is usually “brought down” with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

For the same reasons, pregnant women should not take aspirin, especially in the last 3-4 months of pregnancy. It is also better for nursing mothers not to remember the existence of this medicine.

Other contraindications include:

• diabetes;
• internal bleeding;
• bronchial asthma (especially in the presence of polyps);
• gout;
• chronic kidney and liver diseases;
• hemophilia;
• stomach and duodenal ulcers;
• hemorrhagic diathesis;
• hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid.

Serious problems for the body can result from the use of aspirin while taking other anticoagulants - drugs to reduce blood clotting. This requires strict medical supervision.

They helped us:

Natalya Grishina. Gastroenterologist at the Triaktiv Medical Center;
Ph.D.

Vladimir Radionenko. Vascular surgeon at the Triaktiv Medical Center; doctor of the highest category

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), which is the name of the active ingredient in aspirin, has been used in medicine for more than a century as a remedy for fever, pain and inflammation. Its other magical properties have become known relatively recently. For example, ASA thins the blood and prevents blood clots - doctors have been using these functions to prevent cardiovascular diseases since the 80s of the last century. Some of our heroine’s virtues are on the verge of discovery. But! All this does not mean that you need to urgently run to the pharmacy and buy up all the supplies of the medicine.

Contraindications

• citizens with stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, and allergies;
• pregnant and lactating women;
• children under 12 years old;
• together with drugs from the group of anticoagulants.

Painkiller

Let us repeat, ASA is a well-known antipyretic that can be successfully used every time the thermometer crosses the line of 36.6 °C. Plus, the drug has a pronounced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. These properties make it possible to use it to relieve various pains - headaches, dental pain, menstrual pain, muscle pain, and also as an anti-inflammatory agent for rheumatic diseases.

Be careful: the drug also has dangerous side effects. For example, if you not only take it, but “eat it” - that is, swallow it often and over a long period of time, it greatly irritates the gastric mucosa, often leading to its damage (and this increases the risk of developing ulcers!), increased acidity and bleeding.

Expert opinion
Natalya Grishina:“To minimize the risk of side effects from ASA, especially if you have had them before, take the medicine after meals. It is also recommended to combine it with antacids - these are drugs that reduce the acidity of gastric juice and coat the mucous membrane (Almagel, Phosphalugel, Gastal and others). And, of course, we must take into account that the development of “side effects” largely depends on the degree of purification of the drug - it is better to choose medicines from well-known manufacturers.”

Prevention of cardiovascular diseases

There are cases when a side effect of a drug becomes an indication for its use in another area. This is exactly what happened with ASC. Doctors have discovered that such an undesirable effect as blood thinning can be used to prevent cardiovascular diseases. How it works? We are talking about thrombosis. This is an important process that is designed to protect our circulatory system when damaged. For example, when there is a cut or wound, the blood components of the platelets come together and form a clot, which stops the bleeding.

But the trouble is that in some diseases, blood clots occur in the blood vessels and heart, causing difficulties in the functioning of the body and seriously threatening the life of the owner. By thinning the blood with the help of special medications, you can reduce this risk. Over time, it actually became clear that daily use of ASA can almost halve the likelihood of developing a heart attack and stroke.

Be careful: you need to dance here depending on the indications and age of the patient. For example, if there is no threat of a heart attack or stroke, then is there any point in taking aspirin? None! And if you start prevention, then no earlier than 45 years of age - and after tests that show an excess of platelet levels in the blood, and according to the strict prescription of a doctor who will take into account all the nuances. In general, under no circumstances, under any circumstances, engage in amateur activities!

Expert opinion
Vladimir Radionenko:“ASA drugs are successfully used to prevent blood clots in patients at risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. In this case, medications must be used regularly and for life. But it is important to remember that with bleeding disorders (for example, hemophilia) or when taken together with other anticoagulants, the risk of bleeding increases. Therefore, before using medications, you should consult your doctor.”

Reducing the risk of cancer

Studies conducted by American scientists have shown that ASA can significantly reduce the risk of progression of breast cancer in the early stages. There is also evidence that preventive use of such medications can reduce the likelihood of developing colon and stomach cancer.

Be careful: experts have not yet given an exact explanation of this mechanism of action of aspirin, so there are no official statements about such properties and recommendations to include ASA in the complex treatment of oncological diseases. In addition, taking chemotherapy drugs already worsens blood counts, and additional administration of aspirin also threatens to increase the risk of bleeding.

But, be that as it may, the results obtained can become a breakthrough for new experiments and provide a chance to preserve health for those who have a hereditary predisposition to the disease (one of their close relatives was ill).

Expert opinion
Natalya Grishina:“Unfortunately, there is no clear data regarding the participation of ASA in the prevention of cancer. Perhaps this effect is associated with mechanisms such as improved microcirculation and anti-inflammatory effects. “Today, ASA drugs are not included in the treatment of oncological diseases.”

Different variants

Here's some news for you: although ASA drugs have the same composition, they differ from each other in indications, dosage and release form. So that you don't get confused, we'll shed some light on this now.

The aspirin that you are used to taking to reduce fever and pain is often available in tablets - regular (acetylsalicylic acid, Aspirin Bayer, Aspirin York and others) or effervescent (Aspirin with vitamin C Bayer, Upsarin Upsa " and others). Dosage – from 325 to 1000 mg. By the way, some complex hangover medications (“Alka-Seltzer”, “Alka-Prim” and others) also contain ASA, which helps reduce the aching in the buzzing head and other troubles that arose after yesterday's party.

But “heart” aspirin (“Aspirin Cardio”, “Thrombo ACC”, “CardiASK” and others) will not be suitable for the purposes described. These are special cardiac drugs that are used in the complex treatment of cardiovascular diseases (angina pectoris, heart attack, ischemic stroke, thromboembolism and more). They have a lower dosage (50–100 mg) and are available in enteric-coated tablets, which helps protect the stomach from the irritating effects of ASA.