ASA, THE WONDER DRUG...

Once upon a time, aspirin...

ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID

T

here is no internal medicine without ASA, a famous Haitian internist once told . From the mid 70s up to now, ASA has become so popular that in many households today there exists even some ASA pills carefully kept in safe place. Why do so many people use ASA even at small dose on a daily basis?

Salix Alba told to be charged
with Salicylic acid

         

ASA Chemical Structure

To get started in our journey through ASA world, listen first to what WIKIPEDIA wrote as an introduction:

Acetylsalicylic Acid was originally derived from Salicin the active ingredient in Willow bark. In certain parts of the world Willow bark had been used for centuries in folk medicine. In 1897 Felix Hoffmann, an employee of Fredich Bayer, first prepared aspirin which is now the active ingredient in over 60 over-the-counter medicines. Sometimes the name Bayer is used for this compound owing to their manufacturers name.

This drug is used today to lower fevers and reduce inflammation, especially those caused by rhumatic fever and arthritis.

It will thin the blood and therefore it will, in small doses prevent heart attack, stroke & unstable angina. Because of its ability to thin the blood Acetylsalicylic Acid will inhibit the formation of blood clots.

It`s most common use is to relieve headaches as well as muscle & joint pain. Acetylsalicylic Acid interferes with the bodys synthesis of specific POSTAGLANDINS. These compounds are produced by almost every tissue in the body and control the substances involved in the transmission of nerve impulses which participate in the body`s defences against infection. Postaglandins have been shown to bring on fever and play a major role in inflammation.

At present other uses of this drug are under investigation such as there usefulness in prevention of certain cancers and dangerously high blood pressure which sometimes can occur in pregnancy. It`s effectiveness in the relief of migraines is currently being looked into.

Remember the words: prostaglandins, blood clots

Formal Chemical Name (IUPAC)

Update by Karl Harrison