Acetylsalicylic Acid is commonly abbreviated ASA and is a salicylate drug (functions as a plant hormone). This drug has many trade names and is used primarily as an analgesic. Analgesic are a group of drugs used to relieve pain. Analgesic drugs have a few different in which they affect the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Some examples of analgesic drug types are acetaminophen, opioids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Aetylsalicyic Acid is a NSAID. Essentially, NSAIDs explains in the name that it is not a steroid or a narcodic.

Salicylates like Salsalate, Difunisal, or Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid), are in a sepearate classification than similar popular pharmaceutical, Ibuprfen. The distinguishing factor for these different classifications are scientific justifications such as chemical structure and action mechanism.  WikiPedia tells us that it is the newer substances that are classified by mechanism of action. Doctors prescribe Acetylsalicylic Acid also known as Aspirin for the pain relief of Orthopedic conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and metastatic bone pain.

Though side effects are completely based upon the dosing amount, the endemic of adversity has been increasing. There are two main adverse effects that are connected with Aspirin. Those two effects are gastrointestinal and renal effects. Though Aspirin is a first choice drug for things like migraines higher doses are used to relieve bodily pain; interestingly, some take Asprin to help prevent heart attacks and strokes, while NSAIDs are known for increasing the risk of myocardial infarction. In laymen’s terms, it is a prevention method for those who have never had a heart attack previously.

Lastly, case studies in recent history have begun to show that women ma be more resistant to the drug due to the drugs effect on their platelets. Those with asthma and once again who have had a heart attack once must practice caution before injecting this medication.

 

 

• “Analgesic.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Analgesic>.
• “Aspirin (acetylsalicylic Acid, Bayer, Ecotrin, and Others) – Drug Class, Medical Uses, Medication Side Effects, and Drug Interactions by MedicineNet.com.” Web. 16 Feb. 2012. <http://www.medicinenet.com/acetylsalicylic_acid/article.htm>.
• “Aspirin.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspirin>.
• “Salicylic Acid.” Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 16 Feb. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicylate>.