The active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), which is contained among other things in aspirin, was already extracted from willow bark around 1850 by a French chemist. However, it was not until around 1900 that two German chemists from the Bayer company succeeded in further developing the substance so that it no longer had the original highly corrosive effect when ingested. Thus was born the painkiller known throughout the world today, which was henceforth marketed by the Bayer company under the name Aspirin.
Medical effect and application
Acetylsalicylic acid not only has an analgesic effect for headaches, aching limbs and toothaches, but also has an antipyretic effect for flu-like infections, for example. The effect of acetylsalicylic acid and its applications
not only has an analgesic effect on headaches, aching limbs and toothache, but also has a fever-reducing effect on flu-like infections, for example. It was only much later that scientists discovered another interesting effect of this substance. Acetylsalicylic acid prevents blood platelets from clumping together and thus counteracts circulatory disorders and the development of thromboses in the blood vessels. Since 1985, this active ingredient has been used to treat acute heart attacks, to prevent recurrence of heart attacks or strokes, and as a prophylactic against travel thrombosis during long air travel. ASA is also used after surgical procedures to prevent thrombosis and embolism. But acetylsalicylic acid can do even more. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, it is also effective against rheumatism and arthritis, and causes the inflammatory changes in the joints and soft tissues to subside. But that’s not all: acetylsalicylic acid also destroys the protein molecules that cloud the eyeball in cataracts.
Interactions
Acetylsalicylic acid inhibits the production of the enzyme cyclooxygenase and the formation of certain prostaglandins. This explains its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, some of these prostaglandins are responsible for the protection of the gastric mucosa. For this reason, people with a sensitive stomach experience heartburn, irritation and bleeding of the gastric and intestinal mucosa when taking ASA. The discovery of the principle of action of acetylsalicylic acid, or more precisely its inhibitory effect on prostaglandin synthesis, was honored with the Nobel Prize in 1982. The use of acetylsalicylic acid with concomitant use of other medications should always be discussed with the physician. For example, ASA may prolong bleeding time when taken concomitantly with anticoagulants. Simultaneous consumption of alcohol or intake of cortisone preparations can lead to bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Concomitant use of diabetes medications and ASA may promote hypoglycemia.
Risks and side effects
Acetylsalicylic acid is available over the counter and is known primarily under the trade names Aspirin, Alka-Seltzer, Acesal, ASS-Ratiopharm, and Thomapyrin. The list of possible side effects is long, but the worldwide acceptance of this active ingredient proves that the stated side effects occur very rarely if the drug is not taken regularly without medical supervision over long periods of time. Long-term use of acetylsalicylic acid may cause visual disturbances, dizziness, nausea and ringing in the ears. These side effects disappear again when the intake dose is reduced or the drug is stopped completely. If there is a tendency to gastritis and peptic ulcers, the use of the active substance ASA should be weighed up in terms of the risk-benefit ratio. Acetylsalicylic acid is not suitable as an analgesic for children and adolescents. The active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid is available in the form of conventional tablets, effervescent tablets and chewable tablets. The dosage is between 400 and 500 mg per tablet. The recommended maximum daily dose is 4 g of ASA. Acetylsalicylic acid is also offered in combination with caffeine, which further enhances the effect of ASA. Acetylsalicylic acid is also available as a combination preparation with vitamin C.
