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| Alternative Names: Acetylsalicylic Acid.. Other drugs with similar medicinal properties to aspirin have subsequently been developed, being collectively known as the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are widely used in the treatment of inflammatory musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis. Of all of the NSAIDs, aspirin is the most widely used since it is inexpensive, easily available and is indicated in many common conditions such as headache and the common cold. The other is known as COX-2. The latter is inducible and undetectable in most normal tissues but under certain conditions such as inflammatory processes, becomes elevated. Therefore, a high dose of aspirin (10 grains or 2 adult tablets), which is an anti-inflammatory, and other medications such as ibuprofen quell the COX-2 and the inflammatory process. As a consequence of this, the good effects of COX-2, which gives protection of the stomach and kidneys are lost and problems with this such as ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, fluid retention and high blood pressure can occur with the higher dosage. The therapeutic and toxic properties of aspirin and other NSAIDs can be explained pharmacologically. It is believed that the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of aspirin are related to prostaglandin inhibition. Aspirin is absorbed and goes directly to the liver. Aspirin also has a unique usefulness among the family of NSAIDs in that it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Years ago, researchers noticed a link between arthritis, leprosy and the incidence of Alzheimer's. As part of the standard treatment for arthritis and leprosy was the use of aspirin. Also, population studies have long noted that aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs appear to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by 50%.". In diabetes and borderline diabetes, aspirin magnifies and enhances the effects of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents. Many small studies have concluded that low dose aspirin reduces the risks of pregnancy induced hypertension toxcemia and severe low birth weight. |
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