Aspirin - how it relieves pain and how it works

Aspirin - a word that is immediately associated with pain relief and health and health. But many people don't know that this simple medicine also has deeper effects and plays a role in many areas of life.

In medicine aspirin is used for a wide range of applications, from the relief of acute pain to blood thinning for patients with cardiovascular disease. Let's explore the fascinating properties and effects of acetylsalicylic acid.

In this article we will explore the mode of action of aspirinits uses, dosage and possible side effects. We will also take a look at the historical, cultural and economic aspects of this widely used medicine.

How does Aspirin and what should you pay attention to?

Aspirin, a product of Bayer AG, contains acetylsalicylic acid. This has a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins which pain cause pain and inflammation.

Aspirin also has blood-thinning properties. These help to prevent dangerous blood clots in the arteries and thus prevent heart attacks and strokes. But be careful: long-term use of aspirin can Stomach-Intestine-problems such as irritation, stomach ulcers and bleeding.

Important notes:

• AsthmaFor asthma patients aspirin can trigger attacks in asthma patients; caution should therefore be exercised here.
• Combination with medicationThe intake of aspirin with other anti-inflammatory agents or anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding. This combination should be monitored.

Aspirin Complex and other products such as those offered by Bayer Vital GmbH should be taken responsibly.

Introduction

Introduction to Aspirin

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASS), better known as aspirinis a versatile medication. It is used to pain and to prevent blood clots in the arteries. Especially people who already have a heart attack or stroke are recommended to take it regularly. The standard dosage is usually 100 mg daily to reduce cardiovascular risks.

Properties of aspirin:

• Pain relieving: Relieves headaches and other severe pains.
• Blood thinning: Helps to prevent the formation of blood clots.
• Antipyretic: Reduces febrile illnesses.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.

Aspirin was one of the first medicines in tablet form that was produced industrially. This innovation made standardized dosing possible and made aspirin one of the best known painkiller in the world.

Another product that aspirin Complex, combines ASA with pseudoephedrine-hydrochloride. It is used for the symptomatic treatment of cold and flu symptoms. Thanks to its pain-relieving, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties Aspirin remains essential in the symptomatic treatment of such diseases.

What is aspirin?

Aspirinalso known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASS), is a commonly used painkiller. It helps in the treatment of mild to moderate paininflammation and fever. In low doses, it also has an important effect on blood clotting and can prevent dangerous blood clots in the arteries.

Applications of aspirin:

• Pain therapyStandard dosage is 500 milligrams.
• Cardiovascular prophylaxisLow-dose preparations containing 100 milligrams are mainly used to prevent heart disease.

Aspirin was originally available as a powder. It quickly developed into one of the first industrial medicines in tablet form, which made standardized dosing possible. Bayer AG played a key role in this development.

Advantages of aspirin:

• Wide applicationCan be used for headaches, fever and heart disease.
• Trust: A survey in 2002 showed that it was the most trusted painkiller for European consumers.

With its long history aspirin is still a well-known and reliable drug. Despite the emergence of new alternatives, it remains indispensable in the symptomatic treatment of febrile and flu-like illnesses.

Applications of aspirin

Aspirinknown as acetylsalicylic acid (ASS), is often used for headaches, fever and inflammation. It can help, pain relieve pain, fever and fight inflammation. People who have a heart attack or stroke may benefit from taking it regularly. In these cases aspirin is also used in low doses for thrombosis prophylaxis. It helps to prevent blood clots in patients with a high cardiovascular risk. For colds and flu is aspirin Complex for the relief of pain and Fever used. Caution: The dosage should always follow the instructions on the packet. People with certain illnesses should first consult a doctor.

Pain relief

Popular Aspirin products:

ASA is available in many forms to relieve mild to moderate pain. pain to treat mild to moderate pain. Whether for headachesback pain or aching limbs, aspirin offers a wide range of possible solutions.

Blood thinning

Aspirin acts as a blood thinner by inhibiting platelet aggregation. This reduces the risk of blood clots, especially in patients with an increased risk of thrombosis. Low doses (100 mg per day) are used for prevention heart attacks and strokes. Caution with simultaneous intake of anticoagulantsThe risk of bleeding may increase. For patients at high risk of cardiovascular events aspirin in combination with other agents can increase the effectiveness of blood thinning. Caution: After surgery aspirin should not be used to relieve pain after operations because of the risk of bleeding.

Anti-inflammatory

ASA suppresses inflammatory processes by inhibiting prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation. It acts on cyclooxygenase enzymes, which reduces both the perception of pain and inflammation. ASA also promotes the production of anti-inflammatory hormones such as lipoxins. In acute inflammation, the increase in nitric oxide levels supports the recruitment of immune cells. These properties help to reduce symptoms such as heat, rednessswelling and pain.

Effect of Acetylsalicylic acid

Acetylsalicylic acidbetter known as aspirinworks by inhibiting the enzymes cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes are involved in the production of prostaglandins, which act as pro-inflammatory messengers. By blocking this process Acetylsalicylic acid inflammation and reduces the pain sensation.

Some interesting facts about Acetylsalicylic acid:

• Enzyme inhibition: Reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins.
• Pain relief: Effective reduction of inflammation and pain.
• Inhibition of coagulation: At low doses, it inhibits platelets and blocks the formation of thromboxane A2.
• Duration of effect: The inhibitory effect on thrombocytes lasts 8-11 days, as they are unable to form new enzymes.

Additionally influences Acetylsalicylic acid affects the cytochrome P450 system, indicating a further indirect mechanism of action. All this makes aspirin a versatile agent that can be used not only in the treatment of headachesbut is also used to prevent blood clots.

Dosage and intake

Recommended dosages

The recommended dosage of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) varies depending on the application. For patients who have a heart attack or stroke, a daily dose of 100 mg is often recommended. This low dose helps to prevent blood clots. When used for self-medication for mild pain or fever the dosage indicated on the packaging should be observed. Long-term use of aspirin in high doses should only be used under medical supervision. For children and adolescents under the age of 16 aspirin Complex is not suitable for children under the age of 16 without medical advice in order to avoid the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Directions for use

It is important to follow the dosage and duration of use indicated on the medication packaging exactly. Persons with certain pre-existing conditions or allergies should consult a doctor before taking aspirin consult a doctor. In the short term aspirin for the treatment of headaches or mild pain are usually well tolerated. If over-the-counter painkillers have to be taken for longer than four days, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Long-term use, especially in high doses, can have serious side effects. Medical advice is therefore essential.

Recommended dosages

When taking aspirin it is important to strictly observe the dosage and duration of use indicated on the packaging. Patients with pre-existing conditions such as myocardial infarction or unstable angina pectoris, a daily dose of 100 mg is often recommended.

Instructions for use:

• Increased doses: Long-term use, especially high doses, should be taken under medical supervision. This helps to avoid risks and serious side effects.
• Self-medication: People who aspirin for mild pain or fever should not use it for more than four days without medical advice.
• Children and adolescents: Aspirin Complex should only be used in persons under 16 years of age after consultation with a doctor to avoid the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Recommendations at a glance:

This information provides an overview of the recommended use and dosage of aspirin.

Side effects of aspirin

Aspirina well-known Painkillersis often used for the treatment of headaches and other pains pain. Although it is effective, the use of aspirin side effects can occur. These can range from mild discomfort to serious health risks. It is important to know the possible side effects in order to avoid risks.

Common side effects

Common side effects of aspirin often affect the stomach-intestines-tract. The most common problems include

• Stomach irritationThese can lead to mild stomach pain lead to stomach ache.
• Heartburn: After taking aspirin a burning sensation in the chest may occur.
• Nausea and diarrheaThese symptoms often occur shortly after ingestion.

Aspirin also has blood-thinning properties that can increase the risk of internal and external bleeding. Minor bleeding, such as nosebleedsare common. Long-term use may cause kidney damage, especially in those with existing kidney problems.

Allergic reactions rarely occur, but they can hives or breathing difficulties.

Rare but serious side effects

Some side effects of aspirin are rare but potentially serious:

• Stomach ulcersThese can lead to a gastric rupture in rare cases.
• Stomach-Intestine-BleedingSuch bleeding can cause iron deficiency anemia. This is often recognized by black stools or bloody vomiting.
• Allergic reactions in asthmaticsThese can be severe and lead to shortness of breath and a drop in blood pressure.
• Hemolysis in G6PD deficiency: People with this deficiency can suffer destruction of red blood cells.
• Kidney problemsRestricted Kidney function or even kidney failure have been observed.

It is advisable before taking aspirin and consult a doctor if you are unsure.

Special features in the pregnancy and breastfeeding

Aspirinalso known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASS), requires special attention during the pregnancy and breastfeeding. Here are the most important points to bear in mind.

Safety of aspirin during the pregnancy

• Up to the 28th week of pregnancy, ASA can be taken as painkiller but only in consultation with a doctor.
• In the last trimester of pregnancy, the use of ASA and other NSAIDs is contraindicated, as the risk of bleeding in mother and child increases.
• Low doses (less than 100 mg/day) are considered safe, but caution is advised with higher doses as they may affect the development of the embryo or fetus.
• Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, including ASA in early pregnancy, increase the risk of miscarriage and malformations.
• Pregnant women should only take ASA if other painkillers are not effective and only after medical advice. The risk of bleeding and interactions, especially with asthma or ulcers, must be taken into account.

Use during breastfeeding

• ASA and its degradation products can pass into breast milk, but no negative effects on the infant are known.
• If taken occasionally, it is not usually necessary to stop breastfeeding. breastfeeding to interrupt breastfeeding.
• In the case of prolonged use or higher doses, the breastfeeding should be discontinued.
• Caution is advised with premature babies, as the risk of side effects could be higher.
• Watch out for signs such as petechiae or hematomas in children, especially if they have been taking ASA for several days.

These instructions should help you to weigh up the risks and make informed decisions in consultation with a doctor.

Interactions and contraindications

Aspirin can pose serious health risks in certain cases. It is particularly important to be informed about the interactions with other medications as well as the contraindications for certain patient groups.

Interactions with other medications

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASS), the active ingredient in aspirininteracts with many other medications. It is particularly important to be careful when taking anticoagulants such as Marcumar or heparin are taken. This combination can significantly increase the risk of bleeding. Also Platelet aggregation inhibitors such as clopidogrel can shorten the blood clotting time in combination with ASA. This can be used specifically by doctors in some medical situations.

It is also critical to take ASA at the same time as pseudoephedrineespecially in older people. This combination can lead to insomnia or hallucinations. There is a possible link between ASA and Reye's syndrome in children and adolescents. For this reason, it should only be taken under medical supervision in these age groups.

Before taking aspirin it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines to avoid possible negative interactions.

Contraindications for certain patient groups

For certain patient groups aspirin is not suitable. People with allergies to acetylsalicylic acid or other ingredients should aspirin unless specifically recommended by a doctor.

Asthmatics must be particularly careful: Aspirin can trigger asthma attacks in them. Also for people with stomach- or intestinal ulcers and an increased tendency to bleed are also advised against taking it, as aspirin attacks the mucous membranes and increases the risk of bleeding.

People with severe liver or kidney damage should aspirin should also not take aspirin. The same applies to patients with severe cardiac insufficiencyto avoid possible complications. It should also be borne in mind that aspirin should not be combined with certain medications such as methotrexate (over 15 mg/week) or oral anticoagulants.

For all of these factors, it is crucial to consider the following before taking aspirin before taking aspirin in order to minimize health risks.

Aspirin in culture

The brand Aspirin brand has become deeply embedded in our everyday culture. It is often used as a synonym for painkillers pills. The influence of aspirin can also be seen in art: in 2006, the artist Jörg Immendorff created a bronze sculpture called "Aspirin Monkey", which is very popular. The artist Michael Koslar, known as Malte Sonnenfeld, painted a still life with a pack of aspirin. Historical advertising material from Aspirinwhich are often artistically designed, can be found in collections and museums. This shows the cultural relevance of the brand. Aspirin is therefore not only a medicine, but also part of the art world.

Effect in the visual arts

Aspirin also plays an important role in the visual arts. The German Pharmacies-Museum in Heidelberg Castle pays tribute to the medicine as a milestone. This link between medicine and art is illustrated by historical product packaging and advertising material archived in museums. Special exhibitions show the medical and cultural relevance. At the Deutsches Museum, the "Inventor's Path to Research" explores the history and impact of aspirin is presented. This reflects the interface between science and art. Aspirin thus reveals the close connection between drug production and artistic expression.

Popular perception and advertising

In popular perception aspirin plays different roles around the world. In Italy it is regarded as cold remedywhile in the USA it is used to prevent heart attacks. To address a younger target group, Bayer introduced "Aspirin Effect" - a granulate that can be taken without water dissolved in the mouth without water. Bayer embossed the logo on each tablet when it was launched. In countries such as Spain and Argentina, Bayer offers special products such as raspberry-flavored effervescent products. The patented marketing in the USA has Aspirin into an important industrially produced tablet medicine. This significantly improves user-friendliness and dosing accuracy.

Economic significance of aspirin

Aspirina Bayer AG brand product since 1899, plays an important role in the economy. It is one of the most successful pharmaceutical brands and has helped Bayer to become a leading company in the market. Despite the challenges after the First World War Aspirin remained a synonym in many countries for acetylsalicylic acid. This emphasizes the strong historical influence of the brand.

In 2002, a survey by Reader's Digest revealed that aspirin the most trusted drug by European consumers. painkiller was. A study conducted in 2015 confirmed that German consumers aspirin as the most trustworthy over-the-counter medicine drug. These results show the strong brand perception and economic relevance of aspirin. Historian Markus Feiks emphasized that consumers value the solution to their pain problems, which underpins the success of the brand.

Market analysis and strategies

In 1899 Bayer introduced Aspirin as a brand, and it quickly established itself worldwide as a well-known drug. The brand name was registered with the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin, which strengthened its legal protection. In order to set itself apart from the competition, Bayer developed a special acetylsalicylic acid-formulation. This enabled the production of tabletsthat offered a uniform dosage.

Originally aspirin was sold as a powder, which led to the later change to tablets promoted. Tablets offered a more convenient form and made the drug more versatile. In February 1900, Bayer was granted a US patent, which led to the expansion of its market presence and brought with it a great deal of competition.

Competitive environment

Aspirinone of the oldest and best-known drug brands, belongs to Bayer AG and offers various products containing acetylsalicylic acid. Since the brand name was registered in Berlin in 1899 Aspirin has had a strong presence on the pharmaceutical market. The product is often used as a generic name for acetylsalicylic acid which illustrates its dominant position in painkillers.

Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH holds the trademark rights for Aspirin thus demonstrating the company's central role in the international market. Aspirin is marketed worldwide, making it a significant competitor in many markets and underlining its economic importance.

Conclusion

If you aspirin it is important to follow the dosage and duration of use indicated on the packaging in order to minimize risks. With headaches short-term use is usually harmless. However, long-term use, especially in high doses, can cause serious side effects such as stomach-intestinal-problems or asthma attacks. People who already have a heart attack or stroke could benefit from taking it regularly. If unusual symptoms occur, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Summary of key points

Aspirin Complex is an effective combination against cold and flu symptoms. flu symptoms. It contains 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid (ASS) and 30 mg pseudoephedrine-hydrochloride, which together pain relieve pain and fever lower. ASA belongs to the non-steroidal antirheumatics and is a well-known painkiller. When taking aspirin side effects such as stomach-intestine-problems, asthma and an increased risk of bleeding, especially with prolonged use. Interactions with other medications that affect blood clotting may occur.

Outlook for future developments

Aspirin has evolved since 1900 from a simple painkiller to an important drug in thrombosis prophylaxis. With products such as aspirin effect, Bayer is aiming at modern target groups. Different dosage forms such as effervescent and chewable tablets demonstrate the company's adaptability to consumer wishes. Studies have shown that long-term use of ASA can reduce cancer mortality rates, which points to new areas of application. The international perception of aspirin varies, which could influence future marketing strategies.

Aspirin Product variants

Future developments could include greater variety in product selection and targeted brand campaigns. These strategies can help, Aspirin to different cultural needs.

Source: istockphoto Kateryna Onyshchuk