When should you take aspirin? How to take aspirin to thin your blood correctly

Prohibited during breastfeeding

Prohibited for children

Has restrictions for older people

Has limitations for liver problems

Prohibited for kidney problems

Humanity has long used the medicinal properties of willow bark and meadowsweet herb. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and representatives of North American Indian peoples knew about their analgesic and antipyretic effects. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the active substance “salicin” was obtained from plants, which determines the properties of plants, and then a chemical preparation with similar properties was synthesized.

In the 60s of the 20th century, its ability to influence platelet aggregation was discovered, which further increased the popularity of the drug. The medicine in question is the familiar Aspirin. Let's consider what its antiplatelet effect is and how to properly take this drug to thin the blood.

General information

This drug is a non-selective NSAID. Being a derivative of salicylic acid, the drug inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes. Aspirin has the following properties:

• relieves fever;
• reduces pain;
• has anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and also some anticoagulant effects.

INN – Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The active substance - acetic acid salicylate - suppresses the synthesis of prostaglandins of different classes, unlike the active substances of other NSAIDs, irreversibly blocks COX by inactivating the serine amino acid in the active center. In small doses it blocks mainly COX-1, and in large doses it blocks both COX-1 and COX-2. The antithrombotic effect is associated with the blocking of COX in platelets and endothelium and the disruption of the synthesis of TXA 2 and prostacyclin occurring in them.

Externally, the substance appears as colorless needle-shaped crystals or light crystalline powder. It dissolves poorly in water at room temperature, but dissolves well in water heated to 100°C, alcohol and alkaline solutions. Does not decompose in the stomach. In the intestines it breaks down into acetic and salicylic acids. The bulk is destroyed in the body, 20% is excreted through the kidneys.

The drug is included in the list of essential medicines published by the World Health Organization and is available under many trade names, the most popular of which are:

1. Aspirin.
2. Acelysin.
3. Aspro.
4. Acylpyrin.
5. Aspecard.

The active component is also included in various combination drugs, such as Citramon, Askofen and others.

Blood thickening and drug intake

Blood is one of the main substances in the body, its components and quality characteristics directly affect human health. One of the parameters that determines the proper functioning of the circulatory system is blood viscosity.

This term refers to the level of blood resistance to its own movement, that is, its internal friction, or fluidity. Normally, this figure is 4-5 mPa-s (millipascal seconds). Changing it is not so easy, but if this happens, it means that we are talking about a serious disruption of the cardiovascular system.

Causes

Blood thickening can occur under the following conditions:

• problems with the liver, pancreas;
• the presence of infectious processes;
• chronic dehydration;
• unhealthy lifestyle (abuse of alcohol, smoking, unhealthy diet, stress);
• unfavorable environmental conditions;
• pregnancy;
• taking hormonal drugs and diuretics.

It is important to remember that blood viscosity cannot be determined visually. To do this, you need to take the appropriate test (D-dimer).

If, however, an increase in this indicator is confirmed, most often this indicates a change in the cell membranes of red blood cells and platelets, which leads to “gluing” of cells. To return your blood to normal consistency, you need to balance your diet and adhere to the drinking regime.

But these measures are not always enough, so doctors prescribe ASA, which, even in small doses, prevents platelets from settling on the walls of the endothelium and the formation of blood clots that close the lumen of blood vessels.

Mechanism of action of a blood thinner

Speaking from a scientific point of view, the question of whether Aspirin thins the blood or not, paradoxically, must be answered in the negative. In fact, the drug does not directly affect blood consistency, but blocks the formation of the vasoconstrictor thromboxane A2 (an oxidized derivative of fatty acids), which is the main cause of platelet aggregation (that is, the ability to unite into conglomerates) and the appearance of blood clots.

The formation of thromboxane A2 ceases throughout the life of the platelet (7-10 days), and within 5-6 days of taking ASA, the platelet component of hemostasis (the ability of blood to circulate through the vascular bed) is restored. In addition, ASA enhances fibrinolysis (dissolution of blood clots and clots by splitting fibrin strands) and reduces blood clotting.

ASA also acts at the level of endothelial cells, inhibiting the metabolite of arachidonic acid - prostacyclin (which naturally suppresses platelet aggregation), but much weaker and for less duration than in the case of thromboxane A2, especially when taken in low doses. This fact is decisive when choosing a dose in antiplatelet therapy of ASA.

Directions for use, dosage

As can be seen from the description of the mechanism of action of ASA, the optimal use for antiplatelet therapy will be the use of small doses of the substance (for sufficient blockade of thromboxane and minimal inhibition of prostacyclin). For both primary and secondary prevention of blood thinning, it is recommended to drink Aspirin in a dosage of 75-150 mg per day.

The use of high doses has no advantages over medium and low doses, but on the contrary, can contribute to gastrointestinal lesions, since prostaglandins, which ASA inhibits, are involved in regulating the activity of the gastric mucosa.

For each patient, the minimum effective dose should be selected individually, in accordance with the medical history and concomitant diseases:

1. For patients suffering from diseases of the veins of the lower extremities (varicose veins, thrombophlebitis), it is recommended to take the drug at a dosage of 125 mg per day.
2. In case of acute heart attack or the development of ischemic stroke, a specialist may prescribe a higher dose (160-325 mg).
3. In patients at risk of developing gastrointestinal complications, antiplatelet therapy is combined with the use of proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole).

ASA should be taken for antithrombotic purposes:

• once a day;
• at the same time, preferably in the evening;
• inside, after meals;
• washed down with plenty of water, ideally non-carbonated alkaline mineral water.

Contraindications and side effects

The drug is prohibited for use in the following groups of patients:

• those suffering from kidney disease;
• with stomach and duodenal ulcers;
• asthmatics;
• with reduced blood clotting (hemophilia, thrombocytopenia);
• those suffering from epilepsy;
• before the upcoming surgery (5-10 days before, due to the risk of bleeding);
• in children under 15 years of age with ARVI and influenza (due to the risk of Reye's syndrome).

Contraindications to taking the drug

As for pregnant women, the use of the drug is not recommended due to the risk of bleeding and pathologies in the fetus. Aspirin can only be prescribed by a doctor and only if a woman is at high risk of developing preeclampsia. During lactation, the drug enters the blood in small quantities, so it is not suitable for regular use for antithrombotic purposes.

Like any medicine, ASA may have unwanted side effects, including the following:

• individual intolerance (itching, urticaria, angioedema);
• indigestion and stomach bleeding;
• stomach ulcer;
• profuse sweating;
• tinnitus;
• hearing loss.

Symptoms of aspirin overdose

An overdose of the drug can be fatal. If a large amount of the substance is taken, an intravenous infusion of sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate or sodium lactate is performed.

Similar blood thinners

As can be seen from the list of contraindications for use, ASA cannot be used by all people, while the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in the modern world is very high. In this regard, the question arises of what to replace this drug with.

One of the possible solutions is the use of enteric forms with a protective coating (Trombo ACC, Cardiomagnyl). Although this method does not always justify itself and is not a 100% guarantee of protection against problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, there is a category of people who are resistant to ASA or who are incompatible with the use of the drug due to decreased absorption. For such categories of patients and those for whom ASA is contraindicated due to concomitant diseases, the drugs of choice are thienopyridines (antagonists of the ADP receptor P2Y12 on platelet membranes).

The most famous representatives of this group - Ticlopidine and Clopidogrel - are superior to ASA in effectiveness and are gradually beginning to displace it from its leading position. This is especially true for Clopidogrel, which has fewer side effects. The disadvantage of the drug is the price, which is quite high compared to ASA.

Antiplatelet agents such as cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitors and glycoprotein antagonists, although very effective for the treatment of thrombosis, cannot be considered as an alternative to ASA in long-term use due to the specifics of use and contraindications.

Aspirin is a generally recognized and affordable medicine that is freely sold in any pharmacy and is available at home in almost everyone. They mainly drink it for fever, headaches, and hangovers. Experienced heart patients are well aware of the ability of this drug to “thin the blood.” However, how justified is its use for such a purpose?

Description of the drug

Aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is a non-narcotic analgesic with an antipyretic effect. This medicine is available in tablet form (50, 100, 350 or 500 mg).

Aspirin can be in the form of effervescent tablets or in a special enteric coating.

The main active ingredient of Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid. In addition, the drug contains the following excipients:

• cellulose powder;
• starch.

Aspirin acts on the body as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiaggregation (prevents the formation of blood clots) agent.

Most often the drug is prescribed for the following conditions:

• increased temperature in infectious and inflammatory diseases;
• rheumatic diseases;
• prevention of thrombosis.

Using Aspirin to thin the blood

Low dosage aspirin is often prescribed “to thin the blood.” However, it is worth distinguishing between the concepts of “thick blood,” that is, increased blood viscosity, and “propensity to form blood clots.”

If the relationship between the number of formed elements and the volume of plasma in the blood is disrupted, then we can talk about blood thickening. This condition is not an independent disease, but is a syndrome that occurs due to various circumstances.

Slowing blood flow due to increased blood viscosity creates the risk of microclots forming in the bloodstream, which is dangerous due to embolism (blockage) of blood vessels. The antiplatelet properties of Aspirin are not expressed in the literal sense of blood thinning. The drug does not affect its physical viscosity, but prevents the formation of blood clots.

Acetylsalicylic acid affects the properties of platelets to stick together (aggregation) and stick to damaged surfaces (adhesion). By blocking these processes, Aspirin prevents the formation of thrombi (blood clots) in the vessels.

Indications for use

As an antiaggregation (antithrombotic) drug, Aspirin is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of:

• postoperative thrombosis;
• thrombosis of cerebral vessels;
• repeated myocardial infarctions;
• atherosclerosis;
• coronary heart disease.

It is used as an emergency treatment for thromboembolism (blockage with a blood clot) of the pulmonary artery and acute myocardial infarction.

The same amount of Aspirin is used for both prevention and treatment. Increasing the dosage does not affect the effectiveness of the drug, but increases the risk of complications.

About thick blood, blood clots and acetylsalicylic acid - video

What doctors say about aspirin

Doctors' opinions about Aspirin are divided.

1. Many experts recognize it as one of the most effective means in preventing heart attack and stroke. Most often, the drug is prescribed not in the form of pure acetylsalicylic acid, but in other forms. Aspirin is indicated for patients over 50 years of age suffering from coronary heart disease. It is recommended to take the medicine daily in long courses.
2. Another part of the doctors is quite critical of acetylsalicylic acid. They are confident that the prescription of Aspirin is justified only for patients who have suffered a heart attack or ischemic stroke. They justify their position as follows:
   • with long-term use of the drug there is a high risk of bleeding, development of peptic ulcers and even stomach cancer;
     

     Five years ago, Oxford scientists found that acetylsalicylic acid actually reduces the risk of heart attack by 20%, but the likelihood of internal bleeding increases by 30%.

   • some forms of Aspirin do not have an enteric coating, which serves to protect the gastric mucosa from the harmful effects of acid;
   • When chewing tablets, tooth enamel is destroyed, etc.

Aspirin and its side effects - video

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications include:

1. Hypersensitivity to other salicylates.
2. Tendency to various bleedings.
3. Age up to 12 years.

Relative contraindications:

• bronchial asthma;
• chronic diseases of the stomach and small intestine in the acute stage (stomach ulcer, erosive gastritis, duodenal ulcer);
• hemophilia;
• aortic aneurysm;
• preparation for surgery;
• liver failure;
• renal failure;
• pregnancy, especially in the 1st and 3rd trimesters;
• lactation period, as the drug passes into breast milk. If a nursing mother is still forced to take Aspirin for medical reasons, then she will have to give up breastfeeding her baby.

Sometimes doctors prescribe Aspirin cardio to women in the second trimester of pregnancy to prevent heart disease and blood clots. In this situation, the specialist must weigh the benefits of the drug for the expectant mother and the harm from it to the child, since this drug has a teratogenic effect on the fetus, that is, it can cause deformities.

The medicine is prescribed with caution in the following cases:

• simultaneous use of anticoagulants (drugs against increased clotting);
• gout (accumulation of uric acid in the body), since Aspirin helps to delay the excretion of this acid and can provoke an attack of the disease;
• stomach diseases in remission;
• anemia;
• hypovitaminosis K;
• thyrotoxicosis (thyroid disease);
• thrombocytopenia (reduced number of platelets in the blood).

Possible side effects

1. Allergic reactions: skin rash, bronchospasm, Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock.
   

   Aspirin can cause an allergic reaction such as bronchial asthma. The symptom complex is called the “aspirin triad” and manifests itself as bronchospasm, nasal polyps and salicylate intolerance.

2. From the gastrointestinal system: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting. With long-term use, erosion, gastric or duodenal ulcers, as well as gastric or intestinal bleeding may develop.
3. Disorders of the liver and kidneys: nephrotic syndrome, nephritis, edema, renal failure.
4. From the blood: hemorrhagic syndrome (clotting disorder), platelet levels may decrease.
5. From the nervous system: weakness, tinnitus, dizziness (this happens with an overdose).

If such symptoms appear, you should immediately stop taking the medication and consult a doctor.

Interaction with other substances

1. Aspirin is absolutely incompatible with any type of alcohol. Taking these two substances at the same time may cause acute gastric bleeding.
2. The drug is not prescribed together with anticoagulants (for example, Heparin), as they reduce blood clotting.
3. Aspirin enhances the effect of certain drugs: antitumor drugs, sugar-lowering drugs, corticosteroids, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, narcotic analgesics.
4. Acetylsalicylic acid reduces the effectiveness of diuretics and blood pressure medications.

Instructions for use

It is necessary to take the medicine in strict accordance with the doctor's prescription. You should not self-medicate or adjust the dosage or duration of therapy.

1. You should take the medicine after meals with plenty of water.
   

   It is good to drink Aspirin with milk or jelly, this way you can significantly reduce the irritating effect of acid on the gastric mucosa.

2. Aspirin, coated with a special coating to protect the stomach, should not be broken, crushed, or chewed. This tablet should be swallowed whole.
3. Chewable Aspirin tablets are designed specifically to be chewed rather than swallowed.
4. Lozenges should be dissolved in the mouth and not swallowed whole.
5. The drug must be stored in a cool and dry place.

As an antithrombotic agent, Aspirin is prescribed in low doses, since long-term use of the drug in large quantities can cause a decrease in the normal function of blood clotting and cause bleeding. Higher doses are indicated when it is necessary to relieve inflammation or reduce fever. In this case, the medicine is taken in short courses.

In addition, you need to periodically undergo laboratory examinations: donate blood and feces for occult blood. This is necessary in order to identify possible complications in time.

How to take cardiac aspirin correctly - video

What can replace Aspirin?

Aspirin is not the only drug used as an antithrombotic agent. The pharmaceutical market offers a wide selection of analogues.

Drug analogues - table

For acute infectious, infectious-inflammatory diseases

Dosage of the drug Aspirin

• The dosage regimen for aspirin is individual.
• For adults, a single dose of aspirin varies from 40 mg to 1 g, daily - from 150 mg to 8 g; frequency of use: 2-6 times/day.
• For the treatment of pain and fever and for rheumatic diseases, a single dose of aspirin for adults is 0.5-1 g, daily - up to 3 g.
• To relieve a migraine attack, a single dose of aspirin is 1 g, the daily dose is 3 g.
• For the prevention and treatment of stroke, Aspirin is prescribed at a dose of 125-300 mg/day.
• To prevent the development of myocardial infarction, the average daily dose of aspirin is 300-325 mg. It is recommended to divide the daily dose of aspirin into 3 doses.
• Children are prescribed Aspirin at a rate of 20-30 mg/kg. At the age of 2-3 years, 100 mg/day. At the age of 4-6 years at a dose of 200 mg/day. At the age of 7-9 years at a dose of 300 mg/day. Over the age of 12 years, a single dose of 250 mg (1/2 tablet) 2 times a day, maximum daily dose of 750 mg. It is strictly forbidden to use aspirin to relieve fever due to ARVI or colds in children under 15 (see).

Side effects when using the drug Aspirin

In what cases should Aspirin not be used?

Use of the drug Aspirin during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Special instructions for the use of Aspirin

Interaction of Aspirin with other drugs

Expert opinion of the Polismed medical board

We have collected frequently asked questions and prepared answers to them

Which aspirin is best to take?

I came to the pharmacy and asked the seller for aspirin. He stunned me by offering me almost a dozen drugs to choose from: Aspirin Cardio, Cardiomagnyl, Aspirin C - effervescent tablets. How to navigate this diversity of such a simple drug, and which of these aspirins is the best?!

Response from the Medical College

Acetylsalicylic acid, better known as Aspirin, is currently sold in pharmacies under different names. You need to be careful when buying this drug - the dosages of tablets can differ significantly. If you are looking for Aspirin to treat a headache or to fight a fever, regular acetylsalicylic acid or Aspirin in the form of effervescent soluble tablets (Aspirin Upsa) - the dosage of the active substance in them is 400-500 mg.

Patients with heart disease who take Aspirin for life need tablets with a lower dosage - 75-100 mg. This is either Cardiomagnyl or aspirin Cardio. Aspirin “for the heart” may also contain magnesium hydroxide, which makes it possible to replenish magnesium deficiency in the body.

Can I take aspirin during pregnancy?

During my last pregnancy, I caught a pretty bad cold - the fever and headache were very strong. Can I get rid of these symptoms with aspirin (it works very well for me)? If anything, my pregnancy is early. Ksenia.

Response from the Medical College

Ksenia, we hasten to disappoint you, but aspirin is strictly contraindicated for fighting colds during pregnancy! It has been reliably established that aspirin during pregnancy increases the frequency of miscarriages (in the early stages) and premature births (in the 3rd trimester). By the way, for the future, it is also better to avoid taking Aspirin while breastfeeding!

Is it possible to take Aspirin for cosmetic purposes?

I heard from friends that a face mask with aspirin is good for acne on the face. Is this really so, and how to prepare such a mask?

Response from the Medical College

Women, in pursuit of beauty, adapt many medications for skin and hair care. According to some reviews, a mask with aspirin helps not only against acne on the face, but also against age spots. We cannot exclude the fact that aspirin, having anti-inflammatory activity, helps reduce the number of acne. But we also cannot recommend a drug for such atypical use, so you will have to find recipes for masks with Aspirin yourself.

Can I take aspirin after drinking alcohol?

Yesterday I had a little too much alcohol, and today I have a headache from a hangover. Can I take Aspirin for a hangover and how many tablets can I take at once to make it feel better?

Response from the Medical College

Aspirin should not be taken at the same time as alcohol, as this increases the risk of stomach bleeding. But Aspirin helps with a hangover quite well due to its direct analgesic effect and improving blood microcirculation - it “thin” the blood. But you shouldn’t overdo it - for a hangover, the standard dosage is 1 tablet, no more. And you should remember that after the last glass of alcohol, at least 10-12 hours must pass before taking Aspirin!

Can Aspirin be given to children?

We've run out of paracetamol at home and the child has a high fever. Can I give him Aspirin to bring down his temperature, and what is the dosage of Aspirin for children?

Response from the Medical College

It is strictly not recommended to give aspirin to children for fever. Acetylsalicylic acid can cause a very dangerous complication - Reye's syndrome, which can be fatal. Not a single competent doctor, for example Dr. Komarovsky, will advise lowering a child’s temperature with Aspirin. Moreover, Aspirin should not be given to infants - they have an even greater risk of complications.

How to take aspirin correctly?

I heard from many people that Aspirin upsets the stomach, but doctors actively prescribe it for the prevention of various diseases as a blood thinner. Should you take Aspirin before or after meals to reduce its harm to the body and increase its benefits?

Response from the Medical College

The benefits of Aspirin for chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system significantly outweigh its harm to the stomach. In addition, the dosage of Aspirin during long-term use is much less than when it is taken as an antipyretic. For lifelong use, 75-100 mg of Aspirin per day is prescribed; it is better to drink it after meals, and not before - in this case there are practically no side effects.

After 50 years of age, Aspirin should be taken in a prophylactic dose if you have high blood pressure or a history of strokes or heart attacks. However, you should know that this drug does not increase or decrease blood pressure, but only “thin” the blood. Preventing the formation of blood clots.

Everyone knows that excessive blood thickness is dangerous; and most choose aspirin as the main cure for this problem. This drug has a wide spectrum of action, so it is prescribed very often. Due to the fact that the side effects on the body from taking aspirin are mild, therapy can last for a very long time. It is for this reason that older people often take this drug regularly for many years. Aspirin appeared in the 19th century in Germany and was initially used as a pain reliever for rheumatism, but very soon other beneficial effects of the drug were discovered, which is why it gained enormous popularity. Today, aspirin and drugs based on it are the most purchased all over the world. In order to thin the blood with aspirin and not harm the body, it is worth knowing all the intricacies of taking this medicine with increased blood viscosity.

What can cause blood thickening?

An increase in blood viscosity can occur for many reasons. The mechanism of blood thickening itself is a sharp increase in platelet concentration with a decrease in the volume of water (which normally makes up 90% of the blood). Most often, such an imbalance in the composition of the blood occurs in people over 40 years of age, when certain malfunctions are increasingly occurring in the body. During the day, the thickness of the blood changes, which is a natural process that does not require treatment. Blood becomes thickest in the morning, which is why doctors today strongly do not recommend exposing your body to physical activity in the morning, which can lead to the development of a heart attack and stroke. The optimal time for sports is the period from 15 to 21 hours.

Pathological thickening of blood in the body is caused by the following reasons:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• eating too much sugar;
• eating too many carbohydrates;
• disturbances in the functioning of the spleen;
• insufficient fluid intake;
• vitamin C deficiency in the body;
• selenium deficiency in the body;
• deficiency of lecithin in the body;
• use of certain medications.

Regardless of what caused the blood thickening, such a pathology must certainly be combated. Otherwise, there is a high risk that the blood clots formed in the vessels will at some point break off and clog the arteries or aorta, which will lead to the death of the patient. In addition, increased blood viscosity has a very negative effect on the functioning of the brain, leading to the fact that its tissues begin to deteriorate due to oxygen deficiency and the formation of senile dementia.

The mechanism of action of aspirin in thinning the blood

In order to understand why aspirin has become one of the best blood thinners, you should understand the principle of its action on the body. The basis of the drug is acetylsalicylic acid, which is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This substance has a blocking effect on the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are responsible for activating the process of thrombus formation in the body, in which rapid adhesion of platelets to each other and clogging of the damaged vessel are observed. When a malfunction occurs in the body’s functioning and active thrombus formation occurs without damaging the vessels, platelet clots are deposited on the walls of the vessels. Under the influence of aspirin, the production of prostaglandins is reduced and thereby prevents platelet clumping. As a result, the risk of blood clots on the walls of blood vessels is greatly reduced.

New Year's video recipe:

What are the indications for using aspirin as a blood thinner?
Aspirin is prescribed to thin the blood for a number of conditions. Indications for its use are:

• thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of the walls of the veins, in which blood stagnates and blood clots form. Most often, this disease affects the veins of the lower extremities;
• coronary heart disease – this disease is characterized by impaired blood supply to the tissues of the heart muscle caused by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries;
• inflammation of the arteries (any location) - the use of aspirin is necessary for the reason that when blood passes through the inflamed area, the process of platelet adhesion is sharply activated and the risk of developing a blood clot is very high;
• hypertension - with constantly elevated blood pressure, even a small blood clot threatens to rupture a vessel and cause a stroke. In this condition, taking aspirin is vital;
• cerebral sclerosis - with this disturbance in the process of blood supply to the brain, blood clots very easily form on the walls of the organ’s vessels;
• blood test indicators indicating increased coagulability caused by the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

Precisely for the reason that aspirin is often used to thin the blood for diseases that occur mainly in old age, many consider it a necessary drug for all older people, which is not entirely true. Treatment with aspirin must be prescribed by a doctor..

How to take aspirin to thin your blood

In order for the drug to effectively prevent blood clots and not lead to excessive blood thinning, you should know the specifics of its use.

The dosage of the drug plays a critical role in regulating thrombus formation. If aspirin is prescribed to prevent the development of increased blood viscosity while taking medications, the dosage is only 100 mg per day.

When the drug is required to treat increased blood density and dissolution of blood clots, its dosage is increased and can, at the discretion of the attending physician, be from 300 to 500 mg.

Take the tablet once a day strictly at the same time. It is recommended to take aspirin at 19:00, since at this time the body begins to switch to rest mode and the medicine is absorbed faster. Taking aspirin on an empty stomach is strictly prohibited, since in this case it can provoke the development of stomach ulcers due to the acid content in its composition.

The duration of the course of taking the drug is determined by the attending physician, depending on the test results and the general condition of the patient. Also, only a doctor determines the possibility of taking aspirin to thin the blood during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Contraindications to taking aspirin

Despite the popularity of aspirin, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications before using it. There are quite a lot of them, and to be completely sure that the therapy will be beneficial, it is better to consult a doctor. It is necessary to stop taking aspirin in the following cases:

• children under 12 years of age;
• tendency to bleed;
• intolerance to acetylsalicylic acid;
• bronchial asthma;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• blood diseases;
• liver diseases;
• kidney disease;
• the period before and after surgery;
• extensive burns.

Before starting treatment with aspirin, you need to familiarize yourself in detail with the rules for taking it and contraindications.

Aspirin is a drug that has a wide spectrum of action and is indicated for many diseases as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agent. Possessing antiplatelet properties, the drug occupies an important place among the medications intended to provide emergency assistance in case of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, etc. In cardiology, Aspirin for thinning the blood is an indispensable remedy: it acts quickly and often prevents thromboembolism in a timely manner when atherosclerotic plaques rupture.

The effect of Aspirin on the blood

The main active ingredient of Aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, has an inhibitory effect on platelets, so the drug is classified as a blood disaggregant.

Aspirin affects platelets and slows down the process of biochemical reactions of blood clotting. The severity of this action will not cause a strong liquefaction effect, but it is enough to keep the blood in a liquid state, which is an important preventive measure for various diseases of the myocardium and blood vessels.

The need to use Aspirin to reduce clotting may appear in the following cases:

• Ischemic myocardial damage.
• Pre-infarction state and acute period of illness.
• Post-infarction stage and prevention of new heart attacks.
• Atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders.
• Bacterial endocarditis.
• Surgeries on the heart muscle (stenting, bypass surgery, valve replacement).
• Ischemic stroke and the period after the attack.
• Dyscirculatory encephalopathy, accompanied by atherosclerotic lesions of cerebral vessels.
• Transient ischemic attack.
• Atherosclerosis with damage to several groups of vessels.
• Damage to the venous system (venous insufficiency, varicose veins).
• History of thrombosis and thromboembolism.
• Vascular prosthetics.
• Hypercoagulation of blood.

Read also about what thrombocytopenia is, why the level of platelets in the blood decreases and how it can be increased

How to drink

Instructions for use of the medicine depend on the purposes of its administration, which can be preventive and therapeutic. As a preventive measure, Aspirin is prescribed on an ongoing basis from the moment a person reaches a certain age limit (women over 45, men over 50 years old) to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and other diseases accompanied by impaired microcirculation of the bloodstream. It is recommended to take the tablets before bed, and drink enough water, since the risk of blood clots increases at night.

The daily preventive dose is 75-100 milligrams. For medicinal purposes, the dosage can be increased to 250-300 milligrams. An overdose of the drug can worsen the clinical picture and provoke an increase in the rate of blood clot formation.

Also, long-term use of Aspirin to thin the blood increases sweating, while stopping the functioning of the kidneys. Since toxins and waste can leave the body through sweat secretions only in small quantities, some harmful substances remain in the body, aggravating the overall situation. To prevent such negative consequences, it is necessary to drink the medicine in its entirety, without chewing; if this is not possible, then it is better to use another form of release, for example, powders or effervescent tablets.

People suffering from gastrointestinal diseases should take the drug 30 minutes after meals, thereby preventing damage to the mucous membrane of internal organs. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are allowed to use Aspirin in small doses and only after medical consultation.

Aspirin analogues

Pharmaceutical companies produce many analogues of Aspirin designed to thin the blood. Most of them are adapted for long-term use and contain the required dose of acetylsalicylic acid, which makes them harmless to the body.

The following analogues of the drug can be purchased in pharmacies:

• Cardiopyrin.
• Acetylsalicylic acid.
• Thrombo ACC.
• Aspirin-cardio.
• Aspecard.
• Polocard.
• Lospirin.
• Aspeter.
• Terapin.
• Cardiomagnyl, etc.

Preparations without Aspirin

Blood viscosity can be reduced with the help of anticoagulants - a group of medications that inhibit the activity of the blood coagulation system and prevent blood clots. They affect the biosynthesis of certain substances in the blood, changing its viscosity and slowing down the clotting process.

According to the mechanism of action, drugs of direct and indirect action are distinguished.

Direct anticoagulants are blood thinners containing heparin (a substance that directly affects clotting). These include Fraxiparine and Clexane; heparin is also found in the saliva of leeches, which are used in non-traditional methods of treating cardiovascular diseases - hirudotherapy.

This group has the most pronounced antithrombotic effect, so during the treatment period the patient must regularly donate blood to monitor its clotting. Due to the rapid onset of the effect, pure heparin is replaced with a low-fractionation drug that can act only on selective coagulation factors.

Indirect anticoagulants are vitamin K antagonists that prevent the formation of prothrombin. In addition to the anticoagulant effect, the drugs improve blood supply to the heart muscle, relax smooth muscles, and have a hypocholesterolemic effect. Medicines in this group include Phenilin, Warfarin, Neodicoumarin, etc.

What else can I replace it with?

Products

Nutrition is of great importance if you are prone to the formation of blood clots. Blood thinning products contain iodine, taurine, vitamins C and E, salicylic acid and fatty acids.

Among them:

• Seafood and fish, including fish oil and seaweed. It is recommended to give preference to trout, herring, salmon, and mackerel.
• Sea buckthorn and linseed oil.
• Green tea.
• Walnuts and almonds, sunflower seeds.
• Dried fruits: raisins, prunes.
• Fresh vegetables: cucumbers, onions, garlic, beets, horseradish, artichoke, radish, cabbage, tomatoes.
• Berries: strawberries, raspberries, red and white currants, gooseberries, wild strawberries, cranberries, viburnum, blueberries, cherries.
• Fruits: lemons, watermelon, tangerines, peaches, oranges, melon, grapes.
• Spices: cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, oregano, lemon balm, mint, thyme, curry.
• Dry red wine.
• Coffee, cocoa, dark chocolate.

To reduce blood clotting, you need to drink a lot of clean still water (at least 2 liters). You can also use natural juices as drinks, such as orange or cranberry. All prepared food should be stewed, boiled or baked.

You should completely avoid the following foods and herbs:

• Bananas.
• Alcohol.
• Potato.
• Sweets.
• Buckwheat grain.
• Sodas.
• High fat dairy and meat products.
• Canned, fried and smoked food.
• Arnica, nettle, St. John's wort, yarrow.

Traditional methods

You can also reduce blood clotting without Aspirin using medicinal herbs and plants:

• Sweet clover – finely chop 1 teaspoon of herb and pour 250 milliliters of boiling water. After 35 minutes, strain and take 150 milliliters three times a day for 30 days.
• Meadowsweet - chop 5 grams of the plant, add 200 milliliters of boiling water and leave under the lid for 5-10 minutes. Use the finished product 100 milliliters before meals 3 times a day.
• Caucasian Dioscorea roots - pour 60 grams of crushed roots with alcohol (0.5 liters) and leave to infuse for 7 days. You need to drink 25 drops three times a day, previously diluted in 45 milliliters of water. The course of treatment is 21 days.
• Herbal collection No. 1. It is necessary to finely chop one part of the dandelion plant and the same number of prickly thorn flowers. Pour boiling water over the mixture and leave at room temperature for 4 hours. Use strained 4 times a day, 120 milliliters for no more than 2 weeks.
• Herbal collection No. 2. Take equal quantities of finely chopped hawthorn fruits, sweet clover grass, meadowsweet, meadow clover flowers, lemon balm and fireweed leaves, valerian rhizomes. Pour 10 grams of the resulting mixture with 300 milliliters of boiling water and place in a steam bath for 10 minutes. Then wrap it up and leave it in a warm place for 2 hours. Take the finished drug between meals three times a day, ¼ cup.
• Herbal tea. For a healing decoction you will need: 3 parts of motherwort herb; one part each of fireweed, dried grass, knotweed, and cetraria; 0.3 parts each of mistletoe and mint shoots. Pour 15 grams of the mixture into 0.5 liters of water and boil under the lid for 45 minutes. After this, let it brew for 30 minutes and consume 125 milliliters 6 times a day at any time for 2-3 months.

Hirudotherapy

Leeches have been used to reduce blood viscosity for a long time, but this method also has many opponents. Hirudotherapy has many contraindications. Traditional healers claim that as soon as leeches inject hirudin into the blood, it quickly liquefies and becomes not very viscous. However, in any case, consultation with a doctor and his permission are necessary.

Apitherapy

Dead bees, insects that have died a natural death, are used to thin the blood. The raw material contains heparin (a substance similar to hirudin), which is able to regulate blood clotting. Water decoctions, alcohol and oil tinctures are prepared from it.

Pour water over podmor (2 tablespoons of raw material per 500 milliliters of liquid), let it boil and cook over low heat for 1 hour. Take 50 milliliters before meals. The medicine can be stored in the cold for no more than 3 days.