Aspirin, good but not perfect! (Aspirin Enteric Coated)

Name: dididave

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Product:	Aspirin Enteric Coated
Date:	01/07/04 (1023 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Many and varied therapeutic effects, May work were paracetamol doesn't, Effervescent or enteric coated versions are quick acting

Disadvantages: Side effects can be severe, Enteric coated tablets are expensive

Aspirin was once the wonder drug to be kept in every medicine cabinet and I am not going to say it isn't an effective painkiller because it is. However, I have my doubts as to whether it should be a first choice over paracetamol for example. Let me explain why.

What is aspirin?
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Extracted from willow bark (don't you just love the net!) aspirin is made from the chemical salicin (also present in wart treatments which burn the wart, pointless fact 1!). Aspirin has been used for hundreds of years to ease aches and pains and reduce fevers and some even suggest it has was first used around 500 BC (pointless fact 2!).
It has also recently been prescribed to stabilise blood pressure during pregnancy.

How does it work?
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Aspirin restricts cells from making prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are the chemicals responsible for making us feel strong pain sensations.

What's the problem then?
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Well another effect of aspirin is it reduces the viscosity (get you Dave!) or thickness of the blood. This is a benefit in those with heart conditions and as such aspirin is often prescribed for this. However, aspirin disolves the lining of the stomach and this can cause gastro intestinal bleeding and if an undiagnosed ulcer is present severe hemorrhaging!

Should I not take it then?
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If aspirin works for you and you are certain you have no stomach problems then great! However, be wary of the side effects. I have already mentioned bleeding internally but did you know that people who regularly take aspirin can have problems stopping external bleeding too. Nausea and vomiting can also be a problem.


Is it safe for children?
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No, no and thrice no! Aspirin is to be avoided like the plague in children as it may cause Reye's Syndrome which is a potent

ially deadly organ disease.

What forms does it come in?
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Aspirin is available in a dispersible tablet (dissolved in water), or an enteric coated tablet (dissolves slowly in the bloodstream). The enteric coated tablets are often more expensive but are thought to be less damaging long term.
Doses vary from 75, 125 and 300mg.
Typically bought as 300mg and prescribed at a starting dose of 75mg.

How much are they?
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Very cheap! Boots sell 16 dispersibles for 39p although enteric coated tablets such as anadin are more around £4.

What is your experience Dave?
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I have used them in the past and they are an effective, quick acting painkiller (due to their soluble nature you are talking about half an hour). I would say if you can't take paracetamol then these are an effective alternative.
However, as Paracetamol has a lesser risk regarding gastro intestinal bleeds unless you are prescribed this it is not the best choice as a painkiller.

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