Page 85 - Encyclopedia of Chemical Compounds 3 Vols

ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID

Words to Know

ANALGESIC A substance that relieves pain. THERAPEUTIC Having healing properties.

acid. The salicylic acid is then reacted with acetic acid
(CH 3 COOH) to make acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin. The prepara-
tion of aspirin by this procedure is quite simple and is often
assigned to students in beginning high school and college chem-
istry classes. Aspirin tablets themselves include only acetylsa-
licylic acid, to which is added a small amount of water, starch
and lubricant that act as a binder to hold the tablet together.

COMMON USES AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS
The exclusive use of aspirin is as a medicine. It has three
important properties as a drug. It relieves pain, reduces
inflammation, and reduces fever. In addition to its effective-
ness in treating these medical symptoms, it is inexpensive
and available in a variety of forms, including chewable
tablets, extended-release formulations, effervescent tablets,
and even in chewing gums. Aspirin is often prescribed in low,
daily doses as a preventative measure for individuals at risk
for heart attack and stroke.
While aspirin has many medical benefits, it is not with-
out risk for some individuals. Some people are allergic to the
compound and can not tolerate even a low dose. Such indivi-
duals experience a number of symptoms if they ingest high
doses of aspirin, symptoms that include ringing in the ears,
nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confusion, hallucinations, coma,
seizures, rapid breathing, fever, and, in the most severe
cases, death. Aspirin use is not recommended in children
under the age of twelve who show symptoms of viral infec-
tions because it can lead to an extremely rare but deadly
complication known as Reye’s syndrome.

FOR F URT H ER INFOR M ATIO N
Arnst, Catherine. ‘‘A Preemptive Strike against Cancer.’’ Business
Week (June 7, 2004): 48.

34 CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS