Text File | 1992-01-24 | 1.2 KB | 7 lines | [04] ASCII Text (0x0000)
Aspirin, a white crystalline powder also known as acetylsalicylic acid, is a non-narcotic analgesic used to reduce fevers and relieve headaches.
Aspirin remains one of the most commonly used drugs in the world because of its pain relieving properties; however, it is also effectively used to prevent thrombotic (clotting) strokes by thinning the blood. Unfortunately, aspirin taken to prevent strokes increases the risk of developing ulcers.
One of its side effects in some people having high blood pressure or a tendency to bleed, is that this thinning of the blood can cause bleeding into the brain. Another side effect is that it deteriorates the lining of the stomach. Continued deterioration causes craters in the stomach, called stomach ulcers.
Aspirin has long been thought to be good for whatever ails you, but caution should be observed as with any drug. Small children should avoid taking aspirin because of the increased risk of coming down with the life-threatening condition known as Reye's syndrome. Pregnant women and women with small children should also avoid aspirin because of danger of the drug passing to the unborn fetus and to the small child through the woman's milk.
