Does Aspirin help with headaches or not? The medicine is one of the most reliable and time-tested remedies for this problem. The popularity of the drug is based on its affordable price and large radius of therapeutic action with a minimum of side effects.
Aspirin is known not only for its analgesic effect, but also for its antipyretic, antiplatelet (prevents blood clots) and anti-inflammatory effects , which makes it an almost universal drug.
Most often, aspirin is used to reduce fever, relieve pain of various origins (headache, toothache, joint pain), to prevent thrombosis, and also as an anti-inflammatory agent for rheumatic diseases.
What types of headaches?
Aspirin exhibits analgesic properties most strongly in the following conditions:
- hangover or alcohol withdrawal syndrome;
- migraine;
- pain of inflammatory origin (origin).
When it starts to work. The analgesic effect appears within 10–20 minutes after administration. But the maximum concentration of acetylsalicylic acid in the blood is reached after 30–60 minutes.
After a hangover
After excessive alcohol consumption, signs of intoxication appear in the body, such as a severe headache. During withdrawal syndrome, red blood cells collect in microclots, which provoke unpleasant pain and swelling.
To combat a hangover, you can take regular aspirin, preferably in effervescent tablets. This medicine is easily soluble in water, does not have a pronounced negative effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa and is quickly absorbed.
Take the tablet no earlier than 4 hours after drinking alcohol. Dissolve 2 effervescent tablets in 200 ml of warm boiled water. Drink slowly, in small sips, so as not to provoke a vomiting attack.
For migraine
Oxford scientists conducted studies in which they found that medications based on acetylsalicylic acid successfully relieve migraines with and without aura.
Migraines are painful unilateral headaches that may be accompanied by dizziness, flashes of light before the eyes, and speech impairment. These symptoms are eliminated by “acetyl” due to its complex action:
- increases blood circulation in cerebral vessels;
- affects blood coagulation: inhibits coagulation, stimulates liquefaction, eliminates microclots;
- relieves pain due to the inactivation of pain receptors and the effect on bradykinin (a peptide that dilates blood vessels and reduces blood pressure).
To relieve migraines, take 1 tablet. An analgesic effect will occur within 1–2 hours. In severe cases, use injections with acetylsalicylic acid, but only after the approval of your doctor.
With high blood pressure
Carefully! Doctors do not recommend taking aspirin for high blood pressure. This is due to the fact that a jump in blood pressure (BP) can trigger a hypertensive crisis.
If the vessel fails, massive hemorrhage will occur. This is especially dangerous for stroke and heart attack.
Precautionary measures
You can get rid of cephalgia without negative consequences by taking Aspirin correctly:
- to relieve symptoms, it is necessary to determine the cause of cephalgia;
- choose the optimal pharmacological form for administration: effervescent tablets, chewing gum, powder, regular tablets or capsules, injections (under medical supervision);
- do not exceed the maximum daily dose: in children – 3 g, in adults – 9 g, after 65 years – 2 g;
- the type of problem dictates the method of administration: migraine - chewable tablet, hangover - effervescent forms, for the prevention of heart attack (stroke) in old age - sublingual tablet preparation.
Why Aspirin Doesn't Help
The answer is simple: the effectiveness of Aspirin as a remedy for headaches depends on the timeliness of treatment, immunity to the drug, and the genetic or physiological characteristics of the patient.
Can Aspirin give you a headache?
Certainly. Any drug, when taken, can cause such a response from the body, especially if precautions were not followed, and taking pills for headaches occurs chaotically.
Doctors noticed another feature of Aspirin - the ability to cause rebound cephalgia. This is when the drug is used excessively, disproportionate to the symptoms. In response to such a concentration of an anesthetic drug, the body responds with a paradoxical reaction - a more severe headache.
Rebound syndrome or a withdrawal effect may also occur when, after constantly taking aspirin (for example, Cardiomagnyl is taken to prevent cardiovascular pathology), a person suddenly abruptly refuses the drug. A headache in this case is a protest from the body, a reminder of the need to gradually withdraw the medication.
Instructions for use
Indications
Taking aspirin is justified in the following cases:
- various types of cephalalgia: migraine, withdrawal syndrome;
- neuralgia;
- systemic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis);
- fever caused by an inflammatory process;
- toothache, including after tooth extraction (removal);
- menstrual pain;
- prevention of pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
- lumbodynia (lower back pain);
- pain associated with cervical osteochondrosis.
Contraindications
For some diseases, taking aspirin is strictly contraindicated:
- erosions and ulcers of the digestive tract;
- gastrointestinal bleeding;
- aspirin asthma;
- simultaneous use of Methotrexate (at a dosage of 15 mg for 7 days or more);
- decompensated disorders of the kidneys and liver;
- hemorrhagic diathesis;
- coagulation pathology;
- insufficient production of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase;
- periods of childbearing (1st and 3rd trimesters) and breastfeeding;
- age under 15 years;
- individual intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid.
Caution and medical advice are required in the following conditions:
- simultaneous treatment with anticoagulants;
- gout;
- tendency to gastrointestinal bleeding;
- hypoprothrombinemia;
- vitamin K deficiency;
- anemia;
- disruption of the heart;
- arterial hypertension;
- thyrotoxicosis.
Side effects
The medication may cause adverse effects:
- Gastrointestinal tract: gastralgia, nausea with vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, iron deficiency anemia, erosions and ulcers in the digestive tract (including perforation), rarely - increased concentration of hepatic transaminases.
- CNS: tinnitus, dizziness (side effects characteristic of overdose).
- Hematological disorders: thrombocytopenia, hemorrhagic syndrome.
- Genitourinary system: hyperoxaluria, stone formation from calcium oxalate, damage to the glomerular renal apparatus.
- Allergies: urticaria, anaphylactic shock, Quincke's edema, suffocation.
Drug interactions
With simultaneous treatment of aspirin and other drugs, various reactions are possible.
- Increases the toxicity of: Methotrexate, opioid analgesics or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hypoglycemic medications, heparin, indirect anticoagulants, thrombolytics and platelet aggregation inhibitors, sulfonamides, Triiodothyronine, Reserpine.
- Suppresses the effect of: Benzbromarone, Sulfinpyrazone, blood pressure lowering drugs, diuretics (Spironolactone, Furosemide).
- With the combined use of glucocorticosteroids and ethanol-containing drugs, it increases the ulcerogenic effect (formation of defects in the gastrointestinal mucosa, recurrence of stomach or duodenal ulcers), and threatens the opening of bleeding.
- Promotes increased concentrations in the blood of: Digoxin, barbiturates and lithium-containing medications.
- Helps absorb iron-containing medications in the digestive tract.
For reference. Antacids (including magnesium and aluminum hydroxide) reduce the reabsorption of aspirin.
Dosage, time and frequency of administration
- The permissible daily dose of the drug does not exceed 3 g, a one-time dose - 1 g.
- Aspirin is taken strictly after meals. Otherwise, the medicine damages the gastrointestinal mucosa.
- Repeated use is allowed no earlier than 4–8 hours.
Carefully! Regular use threatens the development of complications. They are associated with the nonselectivity (non-selective action) of the drug.
Contraindications
The property of Aspirin to cause bleeding is the basis of contraindications to taking the drug of various types:
- erosive and ulcerative processes in the digestive system;
- bleeding in the stomach and intestines;
- "aspirin asthma";
- combination with Methotrexate or anticoagulants;
- impaired liver and kidney function;
- hemorrhages of various origins, including diathesis;
- pathology of the coagulation system;
- hemophilia;
- glucose-phosphate deficiency;
- pregnancy, lactation;
- childhood;
- individual intolerance;
- gout;
- vitamin K deficiency;
- anemia of various etiologies;
- diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
- hypertension;
- thyrotoxicosis.
For children
In pediatric practice, aspirin is not used for people under 14 years of age due to the high risk of complications.
To reduce the temperature, it is better to use other NSAIDs: Nurofen, paracetamol, etc.
In what cases is it allowed?
Children with certain blood pathologies and immunoinflammatory disorders need acetylsalicylic acid. But you can give your child medications containing this substance only according to the indications of the attending physician.
At the same time, it is important to protect children from colds and viral diseases so as not to provoke the extremely life-threatening Reye's syndrome, which most often occurs at the age of 4–12 years.
If the use of aspirin is necessary, the specialist will select the dose according to the full number of years.
ASA dosage table for children
| Age, years | Daily dose, g | Frequency of administration, once a day |
| Up to 2 | 0,05 | 1 |
| 2–3 | 0,1 | 1 |
| 4–6 | 0,2 | no more than 3 |
| 7–9 | 0,3 | 3–6 |
| 10 and older | 0,5–1 | 3–6 |
Precautionary measures
The most serious complication is Reye's syndrome, which can develop during treatment of a viral infection with aspirin. The disease threatens severe liver damage and cerebral edema. Possible death.
Another dangerous side effect for a child’s body is ulcerogenic. Therefore, it is important to take “acetyl” strictly after meals and wash it down with milk.
Note to parents. Clinical examination of the child’s blood for platelet counts should be carried out regularly.
Side effects
Failure to comply with the dosage or self-medication may not only not have a positive effect on the patient’s well-being, but also lead to side effects that are quite dangerous to health. Let's list the most common ones:
- Lightheadedness, weakness, dizziness.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
- Refusal to eat, lack of interest in food.
- The appearance of shortness of breath or, conversely, slow or intermittent breathing.
- Absent-mindedness, confusion, visual and auditory hallucinations.
- Increased body temperature, chills.
- Involuntary muscle contractions.
- Bleeding disorders, nasal bleeding.
- Redness of the skin, rashes, itching.
Aspirin is great for relieving headaches. However, any drug should be taken with caution. Therefore, when the first signs of pathological symptoms appear, you must immediately contact a medical facility. Only under the supervision of a specialist can you quickly get rid of pain and not harm your health.
Nursing mothers
Doctors say that taking acetylsalicylic acid is not a good reason to interrupt breastfeeding (BF).
Indeed, a small concentration of this active substance ends up in the milk of a nursing mother. But no side effects were detected after accidental ingestion of traces of ASA into the infant’s body.
Dosage allowed for breastfeeding: no more than 0.5 g (1 tablet).
With long-term treatment with high-dose aspirin, breastfeeding is stopped, and the baby is transferred to artificial feeding.
Feedback about use
Diana, 32 years old: “Aspirin is a universal remedy. Used by the whole family. We treat headaches and colds. He is also my main “assistant” in the house. I add it to water for flowers, then the bouquet lasts much longer. I cleanse my face with it. In addition, I noticed that it perfectly removes sweat stains from clothes.”
Pavel, 40 years old: “My job is stressful, so I’ve been suffering from headaches for about 5 years now. I’ve tried different ways to eliminate them. Unfortunately, everything is useless. Only proven and reliable Aspirin helps you quickly return to your normal lifestyle.”
Natalya, 38 years old: “My parents always take Aspirin for pain, in particular headaches. It helps well and does not cause side effects. I also decided to try it one day. After giving birth, problems with my head began. It hurt terribly and nothing helped.
Aspirin helped me solve this problem. But after a month, stomach problems began. Only later did I find out that I had to drink it with milk. Therefore, I had to give up and start treating the gastric mucosa.”
Igor, 45 years old: “At the first symptoms of a cold, I take a pill before bed, and the next morning I’m back in shape. I am treated only with this drug.”
Today, there are many drugs that have an analgesic effect. They differ in different flavors, additives and prices. ASK is a reliable and proven remedy. Its undeniable advantage is its accessibility. To protect yourself from negative reactions of the body, you should take it on the recommendation of a doctor. He will be able to select the most effective treatment, taking into account the characteristics of the symptoms and the general condition of the patient.
Range
Medicines can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription.
Release forms
Available in the following types:
- uncoated tablets;
- tablets in a special coating;
- effervescent form.
The effervescent form is best suited for eliminating headaches. It acts faster and does not have a pronounced damaging effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum.
Another good option is tablets in a special coating that protect the gastrointestinal mucosa from the aggressive effects of ASA.
Brands and manufacturers
- Effervescent - Bayer Schering Pharma AG (Germany).
- ASK-cardio - MEDISORB JSC (Russia).
- Oops - UPSA SAS (France).
- Aspirin 1000 - Bayer consumer care, AG (Switzerland).
Composition and release form
Aspirin contains:
- active substance - acetylsalicylic acid, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects;
- auxiliary components providing physical and mechanical properties of the tablet, facilitating unhindered penetration of the drug and release of the active component. These components are: microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, talc, sodium bicarbonate (coating of effervescent tablets), sodium citrate (found in Aspirin C).
Aspirin is available as:
- tablets for oral administration;
- effervescent tablets for pre-dissolution in water.
The release form of aspirin is presented in the form of white biconvex round tablets of 350 mg (effervescent tablets), 500 mg, 1000 mg.
A pack contains 1, 2, 10 blisters, each blister contains 10 tablets.
Names of tablets for oral administration: “Aspirin”, “Aspirin Cardio” (used to prevent thrombosis).
Effervescent tablets are known under three names: “Aspirin 1000”, “Aspirin C” (with the addition of vitamin C).
Useful video
See your doctor's opinion about the mechanism of action of aspirin on headaches, as well as the benefits and harms of this drug.
Will Nise help with headaches?
Source
Every person experiences headaches from time to time. In some cases, the pain goes away quickly without the use of any medications. In others, he does not retreat despite any efforts. However, there are proven medications that help cope with painful symptoms. Let's look at how effective Aspirin is for headaches.
How to take the medicine
Only correct use of Aspirin effectively relieves headaches. Let's look at some basic recommendations that can help you quickly eliminate pain.
Dosing
To avoid adverse health consequences, in childhood the drug should only be taken after a pediatrician’s prescription. There are certain restrictions on the use of Aspirin for headaches based on the age of the child:
- children under three years of age are allowed to give no more than thirty milligrams of the drug at a time, and no more than three times a day;
- children from four to six years old are allowed to double the amount of Aspirin;
- starting from the age of seven, a child is allowed to take three hundred milligrams of acetylsalicylic acid, divided into three doses.
For adults, a higher dosage of Aspirin is prescribed for headaches - up to three grams of the drug per day. The amount of medication needed to relieve pain depends on a number of conditions:
- the reasons that led to the headache;
- human mass;
- blood viscosity and taking anticoagulants such as Thrombo Ass or Aspirin Cardio.
It is worth considering that it is strictly forbidden to take the headache medicine on an empty stomach. Acetylsalicylic acid has a fairly active effect on the mucous membranes.
Taking the drug depending on the cause of pain
Let's consider the features of Aspirin's action for headaches caused by various conditions:
- Expanding pain in the head during migraine attacks appears due to increased vascular tone and increased blood viscosity. Under such conditions, the blood supply to the cerebral cortex is disrupted, which contributes to the increase in painful symptoms. An Aspirin tablet will help reduce blood density and improve blood circulation in the central nervous system, causing the headache to subside. The drug can also eliminate accompanying symptoms. A migraine headache is often accompanied by a feeling of nausea, stuffy ears, photophobia, and weakness.
- Thanks to the properties indicated in the previous paragraph, an Aspirin tablet will dilate blood vessels within fifteen to twenty minutes, and thereby alleviate the condition of high blood pressure. However, people with impaired functioning of the cardiovascular system are more likely to take medicine to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
- To eliminate the symptoms of inflammatory processes inside the body, you will need to drink at least two Aspirin tablets. Due to the fact that tablets for headaches stop the development of inflammation in the internal environment, the drug helps reduce elevated body temperature.
- Aspirin occupies a leading position among medications that help relieve headaches after abuse of alcoholic beverages. To relieve a hangover, it is best to drink a specialized medicine that contains acetylsalicylic acid. For example, Zorex or Alka-Seltzer. Such drugs are available in the form of effervescent tablets, which speeds up the process of the active substance influencing the patient’s well-being. Additionally, these remedies are used to prevent headaches after a feast. To do this, you will need to take the drug a couple of hours before the party.
