ABSTRACT
The nonnarcotic analgesics are among the most widely used 'pain killers' considered by both the public and by physicians to be effective and extremely safe, and, depending on the specific drug, may be purchased as over-the-counter (OTC) medications without prescriptions. Some of the newer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are capable of providing pain relief equal to that seen with the more potent oral narcotic agents. Salicylates are effective analgesic agents best suited for relief of mild to moderate pain, especially when inflammation contributes to the painful experience. In such instances they are preferred to the more potent narcotic analgesics. Gastrointestinal distress is the most frequent adverse reaction to aspirin. Hypersensitivity reactions to aspirin can occur and may be associated with urticaria, angioedema, or an asthmatic diathesis. The principles of managing salicylate intoxication are based on; diminishing absorption of remaining salicylate; correcting the hyperthermia, dehydration, and metabolic abnormalities; and hastening excretion from the body.
