Aspirin is a drug belonging to the family of salicylates. It is also known as acetylsalicylic acid or acetosal. Aspirin is used for as an analgesic for treatment of minor aches and pains. It is also an antipyretic used against fever and anti-inflammatory drug. Aspirin is also an antiplatelet. What this means is aspirin has ‘blood thinning’ effect and this property is used in low doses over a long period of time in order to prevent cancer and heart attack.

High doses of aspirin are given to patients immediately after an acute heart attack. The actual brand name Aspirin was coined by Bayer, the German Company. The name has become a generic term in many countries today. Sterling Drug purchased the right to use Aspirin in the United States from Bayer in 1918. Bayer again acquired Aspirin from Sterling Drug in 1994. There are several countries which still consider the term ‘aspirin’ as a protected trademark.

Just like in the case of all medicines, aspirin has got its own drawbacks and side effects. Aspirin is known to upset the stomach. This is especially so when taken in high doses for example in the case of arthritis. Aspirin is also not usually recommended for children with conditions like chicken pox, viral sickness or flu since it is known to cause a serious problem called ‘Reye syndrome’. Aspirin has also got its effect of kidneys. It is also known to cause breathing problem in certain people. Aspirin at high doses is potentially dangerous. Hopping online is a good way to find out more in detail about aspirin. It is always recommended that you consult your physician and pharmacist before you take aspirin.