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• Aspirin is the first of the NSAIDs that was discovered, and is one of several salicylate drugs. Salicylates have been known to be effective since the 5th century, when Hippocrates first began to prescribe the willow bark rich in salicin to patient for the treatment of minor pain and fever. Today, aspirin is still prescribed for the relief of minor pain, fever and also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also sometimes prescribed to prevent heart attacks because it provides a blood-thinning effect.

• Fast Facts

  1. The medicinal properties of the salicylates have been known since the 5th centuryAspirin Foundation: Salicylates
  2. Chemist Heinrich Dreser gave aspirin its name in 1899Opiods.com: Heinrich Dreser
  3. Aspirin first became available without a prescription in 1915Bayer: Aspirin without prescription
  4. In the 1980s aspirin was shown to have anti-clotting effectsBiology, ualberta: Anti-clotting effects
  5. Long term use of aspirin my reduce the risk of some types of cancerCNN: Aspirin Study
  6. Aspirin may cause problems with the stomach and kidneysEmedicine: Aspirin toxicity
  7. It is estimated that 50,000 metric tons of aspirin are consumed worldwide each yearTransnational Institute: Drug Policy Briefing -- June 2006PDF

• Mechanism

  When you take aspirin it dissolves in your stomach where it is absorbed and circulates through your bloodstream. Aspirin prevents your body from making prostaglandins, which blocks the ability of your brain to sense and report pain properly.

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are suffering form pain please make sure to consult your doctor.

• Related Pages on Mahalo

  Pain Relievers | Chronic Pain | Migraine Headaches | Cardiovascular Disease | Chronic Pain | Back Pain | Cancer | Prescription Drug Addiction

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