ALKAEFFER ® Acetylsalicylic acid

ALKAEFFER ® is a drug based on acetylsalicylic acid + sodium hydrogen carbonate + citric acid

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications ALKAEFFER ® Acetylsalicylic acid

ALKAEFFER ® is indicated in the treatment of painful states on an inflammatory basis of various nature and in the symptomatic treatment of febrile states and of flu and cooling syndromes.

Mechanism of action ALKAEFFER ® Acetylsalicylic acid

ALKAEFFER ® is a medicine belonging to the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, given the presence as an active ingredient of acetylsalicylic acid.

In order to significantly improve the pharmacokinetic properties of acetylsalicylic acid, and in particular the gastro-intestinal absorption, in combination with the active principle, in ALKAEFFER ® we also find sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid, salts that dissolved in an aqueous environment guarantee an action useful buffer both to improve the absorption profile of acetylsalicylic acid and to reduce the potential side effects of the gastrointestinal mucosa, generally associated with NSAID therapy.

Once absorbed, acetylsalicylic acid reaches the liver, where by specific enzymes known as esterases, it is converted into its biologically active derivative: salicylic acid.

This is distributed throughout the body and reaches the various inflamed tissues, where irreversibly inhibiting cyclooxygenases, it reduces the production of mediators with pro-inflammatory activity such as prostaglandins.

This mechanism takes the form of:

Anti-inflammatory action;
Antipyretic action, carried out through the counter-regulation of the expression of cytokines and prostaglandins with pyrogenic activity;
Anti-pain action, determined by the inhibition of bradykinin production, a mediator able to activate peripheral nociceptive endings.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID AND ESOPHAGITE

J Physiol Pharmacol. 2011 Feb; 62 (1): 75-86.

Experimental study demonstrating that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid may worsen esophagitis in animal models. On the contrary the use of more modern derivatives, able to mediate a release of nitric oxide, have proved to be decidedly more effective in protecting the esophagus from erosions thanks to the inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

2. RESISTANCE TO THE ASPIRINE FOLLOWING BY CORONARIC BYPASS

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2012 Jan; 41 (1): 108-12.

An interesting study that shows that in 30% of patients operated for coronary artery bypass, resistance to aspirin can be observed, which can reduce the anti-platelet aggregation efficacy of the drug, thus requiring an alternative therapy.

3. ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID IN THE HERADICATION OF HELICOBACET PYLORI

Am J Med Sci. 2011 Jul; 342 (1): 15-9.

Innovative study that seeks to evaluate the ability of acetylsalicylic acid to ensure the eradication of Helicobacter Pylori. Despite various attempts, triple standard therapy is much more effective and safe.

Method of use and dosage

ALKAEFFER ®

Effervescent tablets of 324 mg of acetylsalicylic acid + 1744 mg of sodium hydrogen carbonate + 965 mg of anhydrous citric acid.

In order to alleviate the pain symptomatology present during inflammatory pathologies, it is recommended to take 1-2 tablets a day for 1-4 times a day.

The tablets must necessarily be completely solubilized in a glass of water, and the therapy should not extend for more than 3-5 days.

In order to reduce damage to the gastric mucosa, we also recommend taking ALKAEFFER ® preferably on a full stomach.

Warnings ALKAEFFER ® Acetylsalicylic acid

ALKAEFFER ® therapy should be considered as a short-term therapy useful for overcoming the pain symptoms associated with inflammatory states.

In order to reduce the magnitude and severity of the side effects associated with acetylsalicylic acid therapy, it would be useful:

Take the drug at the lowest possible dose;
Take the drug after meals;
Limit therapy for up to 3-5 days.

If undesired effects appear, the patient, after contacting his doctor, should seriously consider suspending therapy.

Particular caution should also be reserved for patients suffering from cardiovascular, coagulative, renal, hepatic, allergic and gastrointestinal pathologies, given the greater susceptibility of these to the side effects of NSAID therapy.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

In light of the numerous studies in the literature that demonstrate the frank toxicity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for fetal health, the intake of ALKAEFFER ® during pregnancy and in the subsequent breastfeeding period is strictly contraindicated.

Interactions

Among the active ingredients able to interact with ALKAEFFER ®, and more precisely with its active ingredient acetylsalicylic acid, it is necessary to remember, for the importance of the side effects:

Oral anticoagulants and inhibitors of serotonin reuptake, due to the increased risk of bleeding;
Diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, methotrexate and ciclosporin, for cpacity enhance the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of acetylsalicylic acid;
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and corticosteroids, for damage to the gastro-intesintal mucosa
Antibiotics, due to the variations induced in terms of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties;
Sulfonylureas, for alterations affecting glucose metabolism, potentially responsible for sudden and severe hypoglycemia.

Contraindications ALKAEFFER ® Acetylsalicylic acid

Taking ALKAEFFER ® is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients, angioedema, peptic ulcer, history of intestinal bleeding, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or previous history for the same diseases, cerebrovascular bleeding, haemorrhagic diathesis or concomitant anticoagulant therapy, renal failure, liver failure, asthma, hypophosphataemia and viral infections.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Although taking ALKAEFFER ® is generally safe and well tolerated when performed according to the appropriate medical indications, it is important to remember how in patients predisposed or following therapies that last too long or carried out at high dosages, NSAID therapy may determine the onset of numerous side effects including gastric pyrosis, gastralgia, nausea and vomiting, constipation and in severe cases ulcers and hemorrhages, significant lengthening of bleeding time, pan cytopenia, deterioration of renal function, erythema nodosum, rash, dermatitis and bullous reactions in the most serious cases, loss of hearing and sight, metabolic alterations, headache, insomnia, drowsiness, confusion and tremors, and in the most serious cases cerebro and cardiovascular events.