Hjartamagnýl (Acetylsalicylic Acid)

Acetylsalicylic Acid works by inhibiting cyclo‑oxygenase enzymes, affecting pain, fever and platelet aggregation pathways.

• Pain: provides analgesic relief for mild to moderate nociceptive pain.
• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature associated with infectious or inflammatory processes.
• Inflammation: diminishes swelling and redness in conditions such as arthritis.
• Cardiovascular event prevention: lowers the risk of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke by inhibiting platelet aggregation.

• Acetylsalicylic Acid irreversibly acetylates the cyclo‑oxygenase‑1 (COX‑1) enzyme, preventing thromboxane A2 formation and thus platelet aggregation. It also transiently inhibits COX‑2, decreasing prostaglandin synthesis, which mediates analgesia, antipyresis, and anti‑inflammatory effects.

Acetylsalicylic Acid may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia, or heartburn.
• Mild bleeding: easy bruising or nosebleeds.
• Headache: transient tension‑type headache.
• Tinnitus: ringing in the ears at higher doses.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal ulcer or hemorrhage.
• Severe allergic reaction: rash, angioedema, or anaphylaxis.
• Asthma exacerbation in aspirin‑sensitive individuals.
• Reye's syndrome in children with viral infections.
• Hepatic dysfunction or severe liver injury.

When using Acetylsalicylic Acid, consider the following safety measures.

• Assess bleeding risk: evaluate patient history for ulcers or anticoagulant use.
• Use lowest effective dose: limit exposure to the minimum amount needed for therapeutic effect.
• Avoid in children with viral infections: risk of Reye's syndrome.
• Caution in renal or hepatic impairment: monitor organ function regularly.
• Monitor for hypersensitivity: discontinue if allergic signs appear.
• Store at room temperature: keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Acetylsalicylic Acid can interact with several drug classes, requiring careful management.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased bleeding risk.
• Other NSAIDs or aspirin‑containing products: additive gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Corticosteroids: heightened ulcer risk.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): potentiated bleeding.
• Lithium: reduced renal clearance, raising lithium levels.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics): may blunt blood pressure control.
• Methotrexate: decreased renal elimination, raising toxicity.
• Oral hypoglycemics: possible enhancement of hypoglycaemic effect.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., quinolones): increased seizure risk.
• Allopurinol: rare hypersensitivity reactions.