Aspirin: Effects, Doses and Precautions : Your online pharmacy selection

What is aspirin and how does it work?

Aspirin is a drug belonging to the class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Its active ingredient,acetylsalicylic acid, works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, the substances responsible forinflammation, pain and fever.

It also has anti-platelet properties, meaning that it prevents the aggregation of blood platelets, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots. This is why it is often prescribed to prevent strokes and heart attacks.

What are the benefits of aspirin?

Aspirin is a versatile drug used to treat a wide range of conditions:

• Pain relief: effective against headaches, toothache, muscle and joint pain.
• Anti-inflammatory effect: recommended for inflammatory diseases such asarthritis.
• Fever reduction: used to lower body temperature in the event ofviral or bacterial infection.
• Cardiovascular prevention: prescribed in low doses to prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk ofmyocardial infarction.

What are the risks and side effects of aspirin?

Althoughaspirin is effective, it can cause undesirable effects, including

• Gastrointestinal disorders:stomach irritation, abdominal pain, ulcers and digestive bleeding.
• Allergic reactions: skin rashes, angioedema or anaphylactic shock in hypersensitive individuals.
• Hemorrhagic risk: due to its anti-platelet properties, it increases the risk of bleeding in the event of injury.
• Reye's syndrome: a rare but serious condition affecting the liver and brain of children who have taken aspirin during a viral infection.

It is therefore essential to follow recommended dosages and consult a doctor before self-medicating withaspirin.

Who shouldn't take aspirin?

Certain people should avoid takingaspirin, in particular:

• People allergic toacetylsalicylic acid or NSAIDs.
• People with peptic ulcers or digestive problems.
• Patients with coagulation disorders.
• Pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, asaspirin may cause fetal complications.
• Children with viral infections (flu, chickenpox) to avoid Reye's syndrome.

What is the recommended dose of aspirin?

Aspirin dosage varies according to the indication:

• Pain and fever: 500 mg to 1 g every 4 to 6 hours, without exceeding 3 g per day.
• Cardiovascular prevention: low doses of 75 to 100 mg per day under medical prescription.

These maximum doses must be respected to avoid serious side effects.

Can aspirin be taken with other drugs?

Aspirin can interact with a number of drugs, including

• Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin): increased risk of bleeding.
• Other NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen): increased digestive side effects.
• Corticosteroids: increased risk ofgastric ulcer.
• Anti-hypertensive drugs: reduced efficacy.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any combination.

Is aspirin available without a prescription?

Yes,aspirin is available over the counter in pharmacies, but certain formulations and dosages require a doctor's prescription, particularly for cardiovascular prevention.

Can I take aspirin every day?

Aspirin can only be taken daily under medical supervision, in particular to prevent cardiovascular disease. Prolonged unmonitored use can lead to serious side effects, such as internal bleeding or gastrointestinal ulcers.

Is aspirin effective against cancer?

Studies suggest thataspirin may reduce the risk of certain cancers (colon, breast, prostate), but its use in prevention is not yet recommended because of the risk of bleeding. Any decision to use aspirin should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

What's the difference between aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen?

Although these three drugs treat pain and fever, their mechanisms differ:

• Aspirin: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antiplatelet.
• Paracetamol: relieves pain and fever, but has no anti-inflammatory effect.
• Ibuprofen: powerful anti-inflammatory, but with greater digestive risks.

Choice depends on pathology and individual contraindications.