Aspirin

A medical miracle

• Source: http://jakeandkims.blogspot.com/2010/07/medicine-highlight-aspirin.html

Index

• Reason for this topic• History• Chemistry of aspirin• Uses• Contra-indications• Side effects• Conclusion• Questions, discussion

Why talk about aspirin?

• Most people come across aspirin

• You can teach an old dog new tricks!

History

• Hippocrates, father of medicine

• Left records of relieving pain

History

• Hippocrates, father of medicine

• 460 – 377 BC

History

• Hippocrates of Kos

History

• Hippocrates of Kos

1829

• Hippo-crates used the willow tree

1829

• It’s in willow tree bark

1829

• It’s salicin does the job!

• But… side effects

1853

• France: Charles Frédéric Gerhardt neutralizes salicin with:– sodium– acetyl chloride

1853

• France: Charles Frédéric Gerhardt neutralizes salicin with:– sodium– acetyl chloride

1900

• Germany: Felix Hoffmann

• Bayer patents the drug

• Its name: aspirin

1900

• Germany: Felix Hoffmann

• Bayer patents the drug

• Its name: aspirin

1900

• Germany: Felix Hoffmann

• Bayer patents the drug

• Its name: aspirin

Chemistry

• salicylic acid

Chemistry

• acetic anhedryde

Chemistry

• aspirin

Uses

• Various pains, e.g.– painful periods– headaches

• Fever

• Stroke

• Heart attack and heart attack prevention

• Arthritis

• Prevention of blood clots

1829Special case

• Stopping a heart attack

• Advice: – Have aspirins ready– Chest pains? Chew one

Side effects

• Abdominal pains, cramps

• Stomach irritation

• Heartburn

• Nausea/vomiting

When not to use

• On women– during pregnancy, especially after 6

months– when breastfeeding

• On children• In case of:

– Salicates allergy– Ulcers– Bleeding disorders

Properties

• Aspirin is absorbed in stomach

Functions

• Decreasing pain

• Decreasing fever

• Preventing blood clots

• Countering strokes and arthitis

More

• http://www.periodicvideos.com/videos/mv_aspirin.htm

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspirin

Any questions?