How Salicylates work on Arthritis:

Salicylates occur naturally on willow barks and leaves. It is used by the Romans during early times for relieving the symptoms of fever and headache. The drug version is a more concentrated form of the salicylates found on willow barks. Salicylates are drugs that occur in two forms. The first form is non-acetylated and the other one is acetylated (combined with acetic acid). Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic Acid) is acetylated. Magnesium salicylate and Choline magnesium trisalicylate are non-acetylated. Salicylates work by decreasing the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are chemicals which cause pain and inflammation.

Side Effects and Precautions:

This type of medicine may decrease the kidney function and could possible impair any existing disease on the kidneys. Individuals with peptic ulcer should use this medicine with extra caution. It is not advisable to use this drug during the last 3 month of pregnancy. Persons with asthma are usually allergic to salicylates. Do not take salicylates with alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.

Forms, Dosage and Brandnames:

Salicylates occur in tablet or capsule form and should be taken with food to avoid stomach irritation. Drugs in this class include aspirin (Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer Aspirin, Ecotrin) and salsalate (Mono-Gesic, Salgesic).

Adults: 350 to 500mg once a day.

Pregnant Women: Avoid salicylates if you are pregnant.

Children: Consult your doctor for proper dosing.

References about Salicylates and Arthritis:

Boardman PL, Hart FD. Clinical measurement of the anti-inflammatory effects of salicylates in rheumatoid arthritis. Br Med J. 1967 Nov 4;4(5574):264–268.

Bochner F, Graham GG, Cham BE, Imhoff DM, Haavisto TM. Salicylate metabolite kinetics after several salicylates. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1981 Aug;30(2):266–275.

Borgå O, Cederlöf IO, Ringberger VA, Norlin A. Protein binding of salicylate in uremic and normal plasma. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1976 Oct;20(4):464–475.

Cham BE, Ross-Lee L, Bochner F, Imhoff DM. Measurement and pharmacokinetics of acetylsalicylic acid by a novel high performance liquid chromatographic assay. Ther Drug Monit. 1980;2(4):365–372.

Day RO, Shen DD, Azarnoff DL. Induction of salicyluric acid formation in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with salicylates. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1983 8(3):263–271.May–Jun;

Mason L, Moore RA, Edwards JE, et al. Systematic review of efficacy of topical rubefacients containing salicylates for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. BMJ 2004 Apr 24; 328(7446):995

Mason L, Moore RA, Derry S, Edwards JE, McQuay HJ. Systematic review of topical capsaicin for the treatment of chronic pain. BMJ 2004 Apr 24; 328(7446):991

Tramer MR. It's not just about rubbing--topical capsaicin and topical salicylates may be useful as adjuvants to conventional pain treatment. BMJ 2004 Apr 24; 328(7446):998

Page last updated: May 02, 2008