Bayer Pain Relievers

Aspirin is a common pain relieving drug. The active ingredient has been used for thousands of years and was patented and made popular by the pharmaceutical company, Bayer, around the turn of the century. With an estimated 700-1,000 clinical trials per year, it remains one of the most studied drugs in the world.

The History of Aspirin
The primary ingredient in aspirin is salicylic acid, named from Salix, the Latin word for willow tree, a salicylic-rich plant. Its medicinal properties can be traced back as far as the Sumerians and Ancient Egypt. The Greeks and Romans of antiquity would produce tea from willow leaves to reduce fevers and relieve the pain of childbirth.
In the 1800s, scientists sought to isolate the ingredient that helped relieve pain and synthesize it. In 1897, Bayer discovered that the irritant properties, such as stomach discomfort, could be reduced by adding an acetyl group, creating acetylsalicylic acid, or ASA. Two years later, they patented acetylsalicylic acid as Aspirin.

The Uses and Benefits of Aspirin
ASA is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDS work by temporarily preventing a natural chemical in the body to reduce pain and swelling. Aspirin can be used to help relieve mild to moderate pain such as headaches, toothaches and muscle aches. It also helps to reduce fevers.
It is also an anti-platelet drug, meaning that it can help prevent blood from clotting. Antiplatelets are taken to help treat thrombosis, or blood clots, abnormal heart rhythm and to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Some doctors recommend that low doses be taken every day to help people with heart conditions stay healthy. There are low dose products on the market specifically for this purpose.

What Forms Does Aspirin Come In?
Typically, aspirin is found in tablet form, with dosage amounts ranging from 75 to 325 milligrams. ASA is also used as an ingredient in a variety of over the counter medicines. It is often used in cold medicine, as body aches and fevers frequently occur during a common cold or seasonal flu. It is also used in formulas to help relieve menstrual cycle symptoms such as cramps and headaches. Aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties are used to treat arthritis, while its anti-platelet functions can help reduce hematoma and bruising. It can also be found in the form of a chewing gum to relieve oral pain.

Is Aspirin Habit Forming?
It is not an addictive substance. Habit forming drugs require two traits, tolerance, where one has to take more of it to achieve the same effect and dependence, where one experiences negative side effects when ceasing doses. Aspirin has neither of these qualities and is safe to take, and even recommended for daily use by certain patients.

Is it Safe to use Aspirin During Pregnancy?
It is not recommended during pregnancy unless a doctor believes the antiplatelet benefits will outweigh the consequences, which vary depending upon the trimester.

Should Aspirin be Taken With Food?
While not necessary, some people find that taking it with food can help prevent any stomach discomfort that may arise.