What is acetylsalicylic acid?
Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) is a widely used drug with antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet aggregation effects. It is a derivative of salicylic acid, produced through acetylation reaction, and is commonly found in drugs such as aspirin. In recent years, acetylsalicylic acid has become a focus of medical research and public attention due to its multiple pharmacological effects.
1. Basic information about acetylsalicylic acid
| Chinese name | Acetylsalicylic acid |
| English name | Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) |
| chemical formula | C9H8O4 |
| molecular weight | 180.16 g/mol |
| Indications | Antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation |
| Common dosage forms | Tablets, enteric-coated tablets, effervescent tablets |
2. Pharmacological effects of acetylsalicylic acid
Acetylsalicylic acid inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX) and reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, thereby exerting antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, it irreversibly inhibits COX-1 in platelets and reduces thromboxane A2It plays an anti-platelet aggregation role and is often used to prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
| Mechanism of action | Effect |
| Inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 | Reduces prostaglandin synthesis and relieves pain and inflammation |
| Inhibit platelet COX-1 | Anti-platelet aggregation, prevent thrombosis |
3. Clinical application of acetylsalicylic acid
Acetylsalicylic acid has a wide range of clinical applications, mainly including the following aspects:
| Indications | Usage and dosage |
| Antipyretic and analgesic | Adults: 300-600mg each time, 2-3 times a day |
| Anti-inflammatory (such as rheumatoid arthritis) | 3-6g per day, taken in divided doses |
| Anti-platelet aggregation (prevention of myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction) | 75-100mg daily, long-term use |
4. Side effects and contraindications of acetylsalicylic acid
Although acetylsalicylic acid is highly effective, its side effects cannot be ignored. Common adverse reactions include gastrointestinal irritation and increased risk of bleeding. Here are some important no-nos and dos and don’ts:
| side effects | Things to note |
| Gastrointestinal discomfort (such as stomach pain, ulcers) | It is recommended to take it after meals or use enteric-coated tablets |
| increased risk of bleeding | Medication needs to be stopped for 7-10 days before surgery |
| Allergic reactions (such as asthma, rashes) | Contraindicated for those allergic to salicylic acid |
| Reye's syndrome (children) | Use with caution in children under 12 years old |
5. Latest research progress on acetylsalicylic acid
In recent years, the research field of acetylsalicylic acid has been continuously expanded. The following are the hot topics and hot content in the past 10 days:
| Research areas | Latest findings |
| cancer prevention | Long-term low-dose use may reduce colorectal cancer risk |
| cardiovascular disease | Controversy: Some studies suggest low-dose aspirin has limited benefits for older adults |
| COVID-19 | Exploring the potential of its anti-inflammatory effects in alleviating COVID-19 symptoms |
6. Summary
Acetylsalicylic acid, as a classic drug, has irreplaceable effects in antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protection. However, its side effects and contraindications also need attention. With the deepening of medical research, new uses and potential risks of acetylsalicylic acid are still being discovered. Patients should follow the doctor's advice and use the medicine rationally when using it.
check the details
check the details
en
