Dorothy FarrarAcetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
Acetylsalicylic acid, also known as ASA for short, is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent that was first synthesized in 1850 by the French chemist Charles Frederick Gerhardt.
What is acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)?
In 1899, the active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) first came onto the market as a known aspirin® and defined a synonym that is still used today in common parlance for all acetylsalicylic acid copies of the original drug.
ASA has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and is a so-called antiplatelet agent, i.e. counteracts the clumping of platelets. These are used in medicine to prevent thrombosis, especially for the prevention of increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Effect and medical application
The form of application determines the amount of dose when using acetylsalicylic acid. In low doses, from 30 to 50 mg, the drug already acts as an anticoagulant by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase I.
At higher doses of 500 mg and more, acetylsalicylic acid additionally blocks the enzyme cyclooxygenase II, resulting in a reduction in prostaglandin, a hormone involved in the development of inflammation and pain. By containing the inflammation, fever is also lowered as a result.
In rheumatic diseases, ASA is used from a dose of 2 to 5 g and unfolds its strong anti-inflammatory effect here, but also has considerable side effects in such a high dose.
Forms
Commercially available are purely acetylsalicylic acid products in the form of tablets, effervescent tablets, granules or suppositories, as well as products containing additional active ingredients, such as vitamin C, paracetamol or caffeine.
Interactions
With the simultaneous administration of anticoagulants, it should be borne in mind that acetylsalicylic acid enhances the effect of these drugs. This is particularly important, otherwise there is a risk of heavy bleeding that is difficult to stop.
Digoxin, a drug prescribed for heart failure, is increased in concentration, as is lithium or barbiturates, a special form of sleeping pills and tranquilizers. If the concentration of these substances is too high, there is a risk of poisoning.
Sulfonylureas are drugs that are used in diabetes mellitus and are able to release insulin. The interaction with ASA can lead to hypoglycaemia as a result of an increase in effect.
An intensification of the effect, as well as the side effects, also occurs with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine, sulfonamides, as well as methotrexate, a substance used to treat rheumatism and cancer.
Also, the concentration of valproic acid, which is used in epilepsy, is increased in interaction with ASA in the blood, which also increases the effect as well as side effects of the drug.
On the other hand, a reduction in effectiveness occurs with agents that serve to drain the body, such as loop diuretics or canrenoate, as well as with some antihypertensive drugs and drugs for gout.
In combination with steroids, there is an increased risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Plant-based, natural and pharmaceutical alternatives
Plant alternatives to acetylsalicylic acid originate primarily from the genus of willows. Even the Latin name of this tree genus, Salix, indicates that there is a connection between acetylsalicylic acid and the willow family.
Willow bark contains salicylic acid, which is a precursor to acetylsalicylic acid. The effect of willow bark is similar to acetylsalicylic acid and also has similar side effects.
Pine bark extract also contains a lot of salicylic acid, as well as large amounts of vitamin C. There are some medical studies that prove the effectiveness of pine bark extract in osteoarthritis and arthritis, as well as in other rheumatic inflammations.
The analgesic effect of natural salicylic acid has also been proven in studies. To inhibit blood clotting, coumarins are also used in naturopathy.
Clover, lovage and woodruff are among others plants that contain this active ingredient. Coumarins have anti-inflammatory and circulation-promoting properties, but should never be taken without prior consultation with a doctor or alternative practitioner.
Risks and side effects
Acetylsalicylic acid is not allowed in children because of the risk of so-called Reye’s syndrome, nor in pregnant women in the last three months before childbirth because of the risk of deformities in the child.
At high doses, it is not uncommon for gastrointestinal symptoms to occur due to irritation of the mucous membranes, such as abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea and vomiting. Basic vitamin C, in the form of calcium ascorbate, can help reduce side effects when administered with acetylsalicylic acid.
Long-term use of ASA can lead to drug-induced headaches and iron deficiency. Gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers occasionally occur, but usually only after prolonged use.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.