D.3.2

=**__D.3.2 Describe the use of derivatives of salicylic acids as mild analgesics, and compare the advantages and disadvantages of using aspirin and paracetamol (acetaminophen).__**=

=Salicylic Acid:=

Derivatives of salicylic acids are used in rubefacient substances (substances that dilates capillaries and increase blood circulation).

Examples include: - **Methyl Salicylate** which soothes muscle pains - **C****holine Salicylate** which relieves pain in the aphthous ulcers or mouth ulcers - **S****odium Salicylate** which is a non-steroidal (doesn't contain steroids), anti-inflammatory drug.

=Aspirin:=

Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug which relieves pain by reducing inflammation (swelling). Aspirin is transmitted to the bloodstream through the lining of the stomach.


 * Advantages of Aspirin include:**
 * Acts as a blood thinner
 * May prevent the recurrence of heart attacks and strokes
 * Protection from prostaglandin (lipid) production
 * Protection from fevers
 * Protection from swelling (effective for arthritis/joint pain)
 * Reduction of pain


 * The disadvantages of Aspirin include:**
 * Ulceration
 * Stomach bleeding
 * Allergic reactions
 * Reye's syndrome in children (a potentially fatal liver and brain disorder)
 * Blood thinning where when one is cut, it takes quite a long time for the blood to clot and stop flowing out
 * Overdose may cause pH imbalance and respiratory disturbance and can be especially fatal in children
 * Effectiveness is hindered by high cholesterol to about 60% effectiveness
 * Not suitable for all patients; can cause fatal side-effects to patients with special conditions, such as stomach or liver problems

=Paracetamol/Acetaminophen:=



Acetaminophen/Paracetamol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) metabolized by the liver.


 * Advantages of paracetamol:**
 * Suitable for people of all ages
 * Very safe in correct doses
 * Can reduce pain and suppress fevers
 * Does not create issues when other medicines are also administered at the same time
 * Can be effective for up to 48 hours after dosage
 * Virtually no side effects if using correct doses
 * Non-irritating alternative to aspirin; safe for those with gastric conditions like ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease


 * Disadvantages of paracetamol:**
 * It does not help with inflammation or swelling like Aspirin does
 * Overdose can lead to serious liver damage, brain damage and even death
 * Overdose occurs when the patient ingests over 24 tablets(15 grams)
 * In rare cases causes blood disorders and kidney damage
 * Skin rashes, blood disorders, and swollen pancreas occasionally occur when the paracetamol is taken regularly over a long period of time