Aspirin:

Aspirin:

Aspirin is one of the most commonly used drugs today for pain relief. It is a very well known analgesics, which has been in use since the 1890’s. The general name of Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. This drug was produced by Bayer in Germany. This medicine, a predominant pain killer, was the first nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and still the most effective.
Uses of Aspirin
During the course of its application, it has been found that aspirin has a number of uses besides pain relief. Many studies have been carried out to test aspirin's abilities in various areas, including its side effects. Research is still going on in this wonder drug. Present uses of aspirin include:
• Over-the-counter pain relief. It is mainly used for headaches.
• Reduction of inflammation and swelling in injuries and athritis.
• Aspirin is also recommended to sufferers of heart attack, mini-stroke and unstable angina.
• Can reduce heart attack severity if taken at the very first sign.
• It is used to recover after cardiovascular surgery.
• Aspirin is also recommended for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other rheumatoid diseases.
Benefits of Aspirin
Research studies have shown the following possible benefits of Aspirin:
• Migraine treatment
• Improving gums circulation
• Combating ovarian, breast and colon cancer and reducing colorectal cancer repeating
• Cataracts prevention
• Controlling pre-eclampsia
• Improving memory and brain function
• Prevention of adult leukaemia, HIV replicating, prostrate cancer
• Increasing success rates of IVF programs

Who Cannot Use Aspirin?
Aspirin is not recommended for
• Children under 16
• Asthma Patients
• Pregnant Women
• Anyone under 20 with a fever
• Bleeding disorders patients
• Patients with persistent stomach problems
• Diabetic Patients
• Breastfeeding mothers
• Heavy alcohol drinkers
• Healthy people for more than 10 days
• G6P deficiency diseases
• People with liver or kidney disease
• People on low sodium diets
Side Effects of Aspirin
Like all medicines, there are some side effects associated with aspirin. Though most of them are acceptable risks for most patients, there are some severe risks attached which are given below:
• The use of aspirin in children and teenagers with a fever has led to the development of a potentially fatal condition called Reye Syndrome.
• Aspirin leads to nausea and vomiting in some patients. Hence it is better to take this with or just after food.
• Other side effects may be ringing in the ears, excessive bleeding, indigestion, heartburn and allergic reactions.
• Since the tablets are excreted via the kidneys, the medicine has the power to damage the kidneys and long term usage reduces renal function.

Note: So it is advisable to take aspirin under doctor's advise. Aspirin is effective when taken as directed and/or under medical supervision.