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added a mechanism of action and linked that to the effects and side effects
'''Aspirin''' originated as a [[herbal]] remedy, a bitter powder now called [[salicin]] which was extracted from the bark of the [[willow]] tree in ancient Greek times. This raw form often induced extreme stomach pains as a side effect. <ref>[http://www.howstuffworks.com/aspirin.htm ''HowStuffWorks.com'']</ref> First synthesized as acetylsalicylic acid in 1899, this drug is widely used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation.
'''Aspirin''' originated as a [[herbal]] remedy, a bitter powder now called [[salicin]] which was extracted from the bark of the [[willow]] tree in ancient Greek times. This raw form often induced extreme stomach pains as a side effect. <ref>[http://www.howstuffworks.com/aspirin.htm ''HowStuffWorks.com'']</ref> First synthesized as acetylsalicylic acid in 1899, this drug is widely used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation.
Aspirin is also used for its anti-platelet effects. Because of this effect, aspirin is prescribed in low doses—typically 81 mg daily—to help prevent [[heart attack]]s, strokes, and blood clot formation in people at high risk for developing blood clots. Research has also shown that aspirin given immediately after a [[heart attack]] can significantly increase one's chance of survival.<ref>[http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4456 American Heart Association]</ref>
Aspirin acts by irreversible inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase. This limits the production of the thromboxanes and prostaglandins. The reduction in thromboxanes, which are responsible for platelet adhesion gives the drug its anticlotting properties. The reduction in prostaglandins alleviates pain and is also responsible for the side effect of ulceration of the gastric mucosa as prostaglandins are stimulators of mucous production in and blood flow to the gastric mucosa.
Because of the anticlotting effect, aspirin is prescribed in low doses—typically 81 mg daily—to help prevent [[heart attack]]s, strokes, and blood clot formation in people at high risk for developing blood clots. Research has also shown that aspirin given immediately after a [[heart attack]] can significantly increase one's chance of survival.<ref>[http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4456 American Heart Association]</ref>
Aspirin has a number of potential side effects: ulceration of the stomach lining, easy bruising and bleeding, nausea, and allergic reaction. Overdose of aspirin can result in death. Aspirin use in children with some viral illnesses is linked to the development of [[Reye's syndrome]].
Aspirin has a number of potential side effects including: ulceration of the stomach lining, easy bruising and bleeding, nausea, and allergic reaction. Overdose of aspirin can result in death. Aspirin use in children with some viral illnesses is linked to the development of [[Reye's syndrome]].
==References==
==References==