Aspirin - Acetylsalicylic Acid
Developed by German chemist Felix Hoffmann in 1897, acetylsalicylic acid or Aspirin as it is popularly known is a safe and effective treatment for many an ailment ranging from moderate fever to swelling or even blood clotting. This over-the-counter medication is probably one of the widest selling drugs.
Aspirin is used to treat headache, migraine, muscular pain, neuralgia and sore throat. Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid has anti-coagulant properties as well as analgesic and antipyretic properties. This drug is a NSAID - non steroidal anti inflammatory drug. Prostaglandins - a family of chemicals are produced within the body's cells by the enzyme cyclo oxygenase (COX). Further there are 2 kinds of COX enzymes - COX 1 and COX 2 which produce prostaglandins which in turn promote pain, inflammation and fever. Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs - NSAIDS act by blocking the COX enzymes and reduce prostaglandins thereby reducing the pain, fever and inflammation. In this process of reducing the prostaglandins, NSAIDS promote bleeding and may contribute to stomach ulcers. Aspirin is an unique NSAID in the sense that it inhibits clotting of blood for prolonged period - up to 4 to 7 days. It is used to reduce temperature and is commonly recommended for pain relief as in the case of dental pain. Aspirin works as a pain reliever by working on the sensitivity of the nerves both at the site of the pain as well as the central nervous system. FDA has approved the use of aspirin in the following conditions:
Heart conditions : The FDA has approved the use of aspirin to reduce the risk of fatality in the event of a heart attack. Aspirin taken during a suspected heart attack can also lessen the damaging effects of the heart attack. Persons who have already suffered a heart attack or unstable angina are put on a course of aspirin to reduce the risk of another heart attack. Aspirin is also recommended for use in people who have suffered transient ischemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke). FDA has endorsed the use of low dose aspirin (75 and 325 mg) for lowering the risk of heart attack and strokes. Aspirin helps in improving blood flow through narrowed blood vessels.
Side Effects of Aspirin: Side effects from aspirin are relatively rare. If you are prone to heartburn or indigestion, ensure that you take aspirin after food. Some people experience rashes or vomiting or stomach pain. Rarely are side effects such as ringing in the ears, dizziness or mental confusion noticed. In such a case, consult a doctor immediately.
Contraindications: Aspirin must not be taken on an empty stomach. Persons suffering from peptic ulcer must consult the doctor for the recommended dosage. Aspirin must not be taken along with alcohol. Aspirin and other salicylates should not be taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy or while breast-feeding. It is essential to keep the doctor informed if you are allergic to aspirin If you are taking medications for high blood pressure, diabetes or any anticoagulants, you must inform your physician before he prescribes aspirin.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol works as an analgesic (pain relief) and antipyretic (fever relief) and has been safely used by millions since 1946. This popular analgesics drug can be purchased over the counter and can be safely taken by persons. It has been found to be safe for children and elderly persons. Paracetamol is a safe drug that rarely has any side effects and does not irritate the stomach Paracetamol is safely recommended for pregnant women and lactating women. Along with decongestant ingredients, this analgesic drug is used to relieve symptoms of influenza, common cold and sinusitis. Persons who are sensitive to aspirin can take analgesics like paracetamol. Unlike aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that block production of prostaglandins at the source of pain, paracetamol blocks these pain transmitting chemicals in the brain. Paracetamol is effective in bringing down high temperature.
Dosage:Recommended dosage of paracetamol is 500-mg tablets every four hours for adults. Children can be given paracetamol in syrup form. Liquid paracetamol comes in different strengths and product forms. Ensure that you give the child the appropriate strength and dosage. An overdose of this drug can cause liver damage. The symptoms of paracetamol overdose may not be apparent at once. It is contraindicated to take paracetamol after alcohol consumption since it increases the risk of hepato-toxicity.
Angina
Angina or chest pain is a typical symptom associated with coronary artery disease. Angina is a sign that the heart is not getting sufficient blood flow. This is usually due to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis. It can also be the result of extreme hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or valvular heart disease. Stable angina ia a pain that occurs when there is extra load on the heart and occurs in a regular pattern. This type of angina pain can be tackled with medication and rest. On the other hand, unstable angina can be dangerous as it may the precursor to a heart attack. The pain in such a case is more prolonged and severe. Prinzmetal's angina or variant angina pectoris occurs due to transient spasm of the coronary artery. This does not get trigerred due to physical exertion.
The pain associated with angina is uncomfortable pressure and squeezing on the chest. There is pain or discomfort in the neck, shoulder and arms. But not all chest pains are signs of angina. ECG (electrocardiograph) helps in tracing heart activity. Exercise-ECG assesses your heart condition when you are on a treadmill. Beta-blocker drugs help prevent angina pain. Potassium channel blockers and calcium channel blockers aid in improving blood flow to the coronary arteries. Glyceryl Trinitrate or GTN tablets work instantaneously by relaxing blood vessels and easening the blood flow to the heart muscles. Aspirin is prescribed to reduce the probability of blood clots and reducing blood viscocity. Statin medicines are prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels. Angioplasty involves passing a tiny balloon into a large artery and then blowing it up inside to widen the artery. Bypass surgery is done to bypass the narrowed section of arteries and provide the heart with blood vessels that are not obstructed. Angina can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes in diet and exercise.
- Quit smoking
- Control cholesterol levels
- Control blood pressure levels
- Regular exercise regimen
- Nutritious diet - low in fat, high in fibers, rich in fruits, vegetables and oily fish
- Maintain healthy body weight
Bibliography / Reference
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