Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with aspirin

All aspirin-sensitive asthmatics do not fit the classic aspirin triad picture, and not all patients with asthma and nasal polyps develop sensitivity to aspirin. In most cases, aspirin-sensitive asthmatics are clinically indistinguishable from the general population of asthmatics except for their intolerance to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin-induced asthmatics are not at higher risk of having fatal asthma if aspirin and other NSAIDs are avoided. ... 

Appropriate analgesia should always be given. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with anti-platelet action should be avoided due to the relative thrombocytopenia associated with ARS. 

Like aspirin, ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It is a cyclooxygenase inhibitor that interferes with COX-1 and COX-2 forms of that enzyme. Its effects on COX-2 give it fever-reducing (antipyretic), analgesic (pain relief), and anti-inflammatory functions. 

Another vasoactive substance produced by the endothelium is thromboxane A2 (TxA2). Normally, small amounts of TxA2 are released continuously however, increased synthesis appears to be associated with some cardiac diseases. Synthesized from arachidonic acid, a plasma membrane phospholipid, TxA2 is a potent vasoconstrictor. Furthermore, this substance stimulates platelet aggregation, suggesting that it plays a role in thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction (heart attack). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen block formation of TxA2 and reduce formation of blood clots. 

Hypersensitivity to salicylates or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Use extreme caution in patients with history of adverse reactions to salicylates. Cross-sensitivity may exist between aspirin and other NSAIDs that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, and aspirin, and tartrazine. Aspirin cross-sensitivity does not appear to occur with sodium salicylate, salicylamide, or choline salicylate. Aspirin hypersensitivity is more prevalent in those with asthma, nasal polyposis, chronic urticaria. 

The combination of MAOIs with meperidine, and perhaps with other phenylpiperidine analgesics, also has been implicated in fatal reactions attributed to the serotonin syndrome. Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and acetaminophen should be used for mild to moderate pain. Of the narcotic agents, codeine and morphine are safe in combination with MAOIs, although doses may need to be lower than usual. 

Renal clearance of lithium is reduced about 25% by diuretics (eg, thiazides), and doses may need to be reduced by a similar amount. A similar reduction in lithium clearance has been noted with several of the newer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that block synthesis of prostaglandins. This interaction has not been reported for either aspirin or acetaminophen. All neuroleptics tested to date, with the possible exception of clozapine and the newer atypical antipsychotics, may produce more severe extrapyramidal syndromes when combined with lithium. 

Dozens of combination products are available only a few of the most commonly prescribed are listed here. Codeine combination products available in several strengths are usually denoted No. 2 (15 mg codeine), No. 3 (30 mg codeine), and No. 4 (60 mg codeine). Prescribers should be aware of the possible danger of renal and hepatic injury with acetaminophen, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs contained in these analgesic combinations. 

Reduction of inflammation with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often results in relief of pain for significant periods. Furthermore, most of the nonopioid analgesics (aspirin, etc) have anti-inflammatory effects, so they are appropriate for the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. 

A topical 3% gel formulation of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (Solaraze) has shown moderate effectiveness in the treatment of actinic keratoses. The mechanism of action is unknown. As with other NSAIDs, anaphylactoid reactions may occur with diclofenac, and it should be given with caution to patients with known aspirin hypersensitivity (see Chapter 36). 

Clinical use Acetylsalicylic acid is the prototype of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is used in a large number of inflammatory and pain indications including musculoskeletal, soft tissue and joint disorders, headache, dysmenorrhoea and fever (Symposium on new perspectives on aspirin therapy 1983, various authors). Furthermore, acetylsalicylic acid is used as an antiplatelet drug in the acute treatment of myocardial infarction in combination with thrombolytics and for the prevention of myocardial infarction and stroke (Patrono, 1994). 

The market for aspirin grew at a rapid rate, with sales in the United States reaching 2 billion/year in 1990, This represents 1600 tons of the drug, or 80 million tablets. Within recent years, some aspirin has been formulated with other materials. These include buffers for reducing stomach irritation experienced by some people who consume aspirin. Also within the last decade or so. other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been introduced into this highly competitive marketplace,... 

Since most codeine is dispensed as part of a compound preparation, potential side effects of the other drug(s) must also be considered. For instance, someone with stomach ulcers should not take codeine that is combined with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Another type of risk from a compound preparation relates to codeine abuse. For instance, a person who abuses codeine might routinely take a dose of 100-200 mg of codeine to produce noticeable euphoria. Using Tylenol 3 to obtain this dose would also mean ingesting 1,000-2,000 mg of acetaminophen. Taking that amount of acetaminophen for any extended period presents a risk for liver damage, especially in combination with alcohol. 

During the acute phase of a viral infection of the thyroid gland, there is destruction of thyroid parenchyma with transient release of stored thyroid hormones. A similar state may occur in patients with Hashimoto s thyroiditis. These episodes of transient thyrotoxicosis have been termed "spontaneously resolving hyperthyroidism." Supportive therapy is usually all that is necessary, such as propranolol for tachycardia and aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control local pain and fever. Corticosteroids may be necessary in severe cases to control the inflammation. 

Analgesics Analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often effective in mild-to-moderate migraine. Aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, propoxyphene, acetaminophen with butalbital, and caffeine are all effective in treating a migraine attack. 

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