12 Dec 2022
Aspirin
Aspirin belongs to the class of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. (NSAIDs). Aspirin is a potent analgesic (painkiller) and anti-inflammatory agent. It is used to treat several types of pain, fever, and inflammation and reduces the chances of a heart attack or helps in blood pressure.
Aspirin blocks the activity of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, which ultimately reduces the formation of prostaglandins (PGs) (Prostaglandins are chemicals produced inside your body and trigger inflammation, swelling, pain, and fever.)
Aspirin is also a blood thinner and is used to prevent stroke and heart attack as it acts like an antiplatelet agent and reduces clots' formation by slowing down platelet activity.
Prednisone
Prednisone is a cortisone-like medicine or steroid and belongs to the sub-class of corticosteroids and glucocorticoids. It suppresses the overactive immune system and decreases inflammation in various endocrine or neoplastic diseases. It is a prodrug and is in inactive form. Prednisone is converted to its active format, prednisolone, by the liver. The low dose of Prednisone produces anti-inflammatory, and the higher amount has immunosuppressive effects. It acts by decreasing capillary permeation or migration of leukocytes. It suppresses the Immune system by reducing immune response activity.
Can You Mix Aspirin And Prednisone?
Avoid mixing Aspirin and Prednisone because it may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and, rarely, perforation.
To use both medications safely, your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more frequently. If you have a high risk of developing serious gastrointestinal complications, your doctor may also be able to recommend medications that help protect the stomach and intestines. You should always consult your doctor before taking both medicines together.
Is There Any Interaction Found Between Aspirin and Prednisone?
Aspirin's therapeutic effects and blood levels may be diminished by co-administration with corticosteroids such as Prednisone. According to reports, both administering them together have been linked to moderate interaction. Pharmacologically, due to the additive ulcerogenic effects of these agents, particularly Aspirin, on the GI mucosa, the potential for increased gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, including inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, should be taken into consideration.
However, Aspirin and prednisolone co-administration has a weak association with the occurrence of adverse GI events in one of the clinical studies, which saw a low prevalence. Aspirin and prednisone interaction are unlikely to have a significant clinical impact, and it has been found that they can be given with some gastro protectant concurrently.
Aspirin And Prednisone Interaction Study
A study was conducted to study the complications between Aspirin and Prednisolone. It included the data of 142 patient, in which 80 percent of the population was undergoing gastro protectant. The study showed moderate interactions between them. About 4.2 (person) percent of the whole faced gastrointestinal effects.
Four patients faced abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysphagia, and vomiting. The other 3 patients had signs of (duodenal ulcers, iron deficiency anemia, and a Mallory-Weiss tear).
Conclusion: The study was concluded by a minimal or moderate interactions on the patient, however it does suggest the safety but should have double consideration of doctor. (Koomanan N, Ko Y, Yong WP, Ng R, Wong YP, Lim SW, Salim A, Chan A.)
Why Is Prednisone Avoided With Aspirin?
Since prednisolone and Aspirin are known to cause side effects in the gastrointestinal tract, co-therapy may increase that risk even more. Based on the pharmacokinetic interaction between the two medicines. Research and clinical studies claim that there is a "moderate" interaction.
According to guidelines, medicines that interact moderately should generally be avoided as the risks outweigh the benefits.
When a hole forms through the stomach or intestine, this condition, known as gastrointestinal perforation, is a medical emergency and potentially fatal.
To reduce the risk, you should take these medications with food. In some cases, Prednisone and other steroid medications have also been shown to lower Aspirin and other similar medicines' blood levels, which may make them less effective in treating your condition. However, if you have been taking both medications and Prednisone is stopped, aspirin levels in your blood may rise, necessitating a dosage reduction to avoid toxicity.
If you experience any unusual bleeding, bruising, or other signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as dizziness, you should see a doctor right away. Lightheadedness tarry, red or black stools; fresh or dried blood that looks like coffee grounds. Coughing up or vomiting, a terrible headache, and failings. You must inform your physician of all other medications you take, including vitamins and herbal products.
Conclusion
It is concluded that adverse gastrointestinal (GI) events are observed when Aspirin and Prednisone are given together. Due to the overlap of the two medicines' toxicities, co-therapy is expected to increase the frequency of adverse gastrointestinal events. However, there is insufficient research on the frequency with which this interaction results in adverse GI events of clinical significance.
Without first having a word with your doctor, please do not take any medications together as they are more harmful when taken irrationally.
