Aspirin is a common drug prescribed for many ailments and is a known pain killer and anti-inflammatory drug.
But there are certain side effects that you need to know about so that you treat it with caution. Obviously, as with any drug, an overdose of aspirin can cause a lot of harm and even be fatal.
So the victim should either induce vomiting to get rid of the remaining un-absorbed drug or be rushed to a hospital where a stomach pump can be used to remove the medication.
Aspirin is a useful powerful drug. It hinders platelet functioning but in low doses it can be used as an anti-clotting or blood-thinning agent. Aspirin is used in high doses to prevent inflammation and provide relief from pain.
It can be used as an emergency drug in the event of a heart attack as it prevents the increase in size of the blood clot that is obstructing blood supply to the heart. On a doctor’s prescription, aspirin can be taken to lower the risk of a stroke or a heart attack. It can also be used to treat fever and some aches and pains.
However, children should avoid taking aspirin as it increases the chances of them contracting Reye’s syndrome that affects the brain and liver and can prove fatal.
Generally, aspirin can cause irritation to the stomach lining, which can lead to indigestion and vomiting that, in turn, can result in the stomach bleeding.
To offset this effect, aspirin should be taken with a meal or with milk but avoid coffee, alcohol, or other soft drinks. A doctor may prescribe enteric-coated aspirin to eliminate these side effects. Aspirin also causes heartburn and can seriously affect those who have had a stomach or peptic ulcer.
It can also cause hives, asthma, and hay fever. It can affect the functioning of the liver and kidneys and should not be used or used with caution by elderly people or those with allergies or gout.
Aspirin should also not be used by hemophiliacs or those with any bleeding disorder. Pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding should avoid this medication and consult their physicians before taking it as it can affect the unborn fetus, or harm the baby through breast milk. Patients taking anticoagulant medication should not take aspirin at all.
Aspirin should also be avoided when you are taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, and only do so on the instructions of a physician. Don’t take aspirin with medicines for indigestion such as antacids. Findings also suggest that aspirin may not help people with high cholesterol even if they are taking the drug to prevent a heart attack.
Aspirin is a useful drug in many cases and especially helps people who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association especially recommend aspirin for women over the age of 65. However, you should consider your own medical health history and consult with a doctor before taking it for any reason.
