Ellen Campbell -Grizzle

We have known for some time now that aspirin is an effective pain killer. It is pretty common for people to take a daily low dose of aspirin to prevent heart attacks. However, new benefits for the drug are being regularly discovered. This week, it was revealed that aspirin may boost the chances of survival for some lung cancer patients.

Aspirin's story

Aspirin belongs to a family of drugs called salicylates which were extracted from the willow bark. As far back as the fifth century BC, Hippocrates used a bitter powder from the bark to reduce fever and ease pain. Felix Hoffman came up with a compound called acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) which appeared to share the therapeutic properties of the other salicylates. In 1982, Professor Sir John Vane received the Nobel Prize for his work identifying the blocking action of the drug on hormone-like substances called prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins are known to influence the elasticity of blood vessels, direct the functioning of blood platelets, control uterine contractions, cause redness and fever related to inflammation, among other things.

By blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins, aspirin reduces blood clotting at the site of a wound. Its role in combating heart disease and stroke is highly touted based on strong evidence. Aspirin has helped women to control dangerously high blood pressure that occurs in some pregnancies.

Male versus female effects

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association is claiming that there are differences in the male-female effect. The study found that aspirin treatment was associated with 24 per cent reduction in most common types of stroke in women and 32 per cent reduction in heart attacks in men. The researchers are not sure why the drug affects men and women differently.

Aspirin use in children

Aspirin has limited use in children 16 years or younger. In fact, in some countries, the product is not licensed for use among these children.

The drug has been associated with Reye's syndrome, a disease that affects all organs of the body but is most lethal to the liver and brain. It is possible to get Reye's syndrome without aspirin use. Early diagnosis saves lives. Talk to your pharmacist before you purchase salicylate-containing products and avoid breast feeding if you are taking salicylate-containing medication. Remember, these compounds can be absorbed via the skin as well.

Double-edged sword.

Every medication has two faces. On one side, you may experience relief from illness, while on the other hand, there may be adverse effects. There is concern about the overuse of aspirin. A few persons are hypersensitive to the drug. At higher doses, the drug can cause nausea, heartburn and stomach pain. For the great majority of occasional users, internal bleeding is not a problem.

Stay healthy

There are those who believe that taking aspirin will prevent a first attack in healthy individuals. However, on this fact, the research is inconclusive. There are over 50 preparations that contain ASA as its principal active ingredient. It is important that you read your labels carefully, follow instructions to take the drug on a full stomach and stay within the dosage range that best suits your need. Remember the bottom line on aspirin use is the lower the dose, the less risk of bleeding.

Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, president, Caribbean Association of Pharmacists; director, Information & Research, National Council on Drug Abuse; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.